FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL EMULGEL FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and progressive functional impairment, necessitating safer and more effective therapeutic approaches. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal emulgel for the topical management of rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. The emulgel was formulated using ethanolic extracts of Rubia cordifolia, Vitex negundo, Piper nigrum, and Myristica fragrans, selected for their well-documented anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. The formulation combined the advantages of emulsions and gels to improve drug penetration and patient compliance. Various formulations were prepared using Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent and evaluated for physicochemical parameters including pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, and in vitro drug release. All formulations exhibited acceptable characteristics suitable for topical application. Among them, formulation F3 demonstrated optimal performance with ideal viscosity, superior spreadability, uniform drug content (98.6%), and maximum drug release (89%) over 8 hours, along with good stability. The findings suggest that the developed polyherbal emulgel is a promising and effective alternative for the topical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, offering sustained release, enhanced penetration, and improved patient compliance.