CARBOPOL®-GUAR GUM GEL AS A VEHICLE FOR TOPICAL GEL FORMULATION OF PECTIN BEADS LOADED WITH RUTIN

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop suitable pharmaceutical gel formulations of pectin beads using semisynthetic celluloses or synthetic carbomers as a gelling agent.

Methods: Low methoxyl pectin (LMP) beads loaded with rutin composing 3% Non-amidated LMP, 15% sorbitol and 1% NaHCO₃ with 2% w/v of rutin were prepared, characterized, incorporated in various pharmaceutical gel bases and evaluated for rabbit skin irritation by close patch test.

Results: Rutin wetted bead formulation which showed spherical shape (around 700 µm), high rutin encapsulation efficiencies (82.02±0.91%), low conductivity (900 µS at 30 min) and faster rutin release (more than 80% in 30 min) was selected to incorporate in gel. The wetted rutin beads exhibited good stability (beads suspended in gel without breaking or gel color changing) in the gel composed of 0.4% w/v Carbopol^® Ultrez 21 with 0.04% w/v guar gum at pH 5.0.  Conclusion: Rutin wetted beads in developed pharmaceutical gel formulation showed higher percentages of rutin remaining when stored at room temperature (27±2ºC) than non-loaded rutin of about 1.53 times and gave no irritation in rabbit skin irritation test, however, the safety on human skin applications should be confirmed.

 

Keywords: Carbopol^®, guar gum, pharmaceutical gel, pectin, rutin, beads