Anti-Microbial and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Nigella sativa Colloidal-Emulgel

Background: Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa) has been reported to have biological activities such as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-fungal activities. Objective: This study aims to develop N. Sativa colloidal-emulgel with the evaluation of its antibacterial, anti-oxidant and in-vivo irritation and sensation testing. Method: Colloidal-emulgel formulations were prepared for N. sativa using different surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (S.L.S) and sucrose ester). N. sativa emulsion formulations were prepared using heat inversion technique. After that, the optimum formulation was mixed with Carbopol to produce the colloidal-emulgel. The droplet size, size distribution, and rheological behavior were measured for emulgel formulations. Anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities were also reported in the in vivo studies for sensitivity, irritancy and spreadability. Results: It was found that the sucrose ester was able to produce the optimum emulsion formulation with droplets size of less than 1 mu m. In the anti-bacterial test for Staphylococcus aureus, it was found that emulgel has an inhibition zone of 2.5 cm in diameter, but the oil alone being 1.3 cm. According to MRSA, the inhibition zone for emulgel was 1.1 cm, but for oil, it was 0.5 cm in diameter. Emulgel does not show any irritation or sensitivity. Also it has a homogeneous appearance with a smooth texture. In addition, it shows fair mechanical properties, and easy spreadability with acceptable bio-adhesion. Conclusion: It is concluded that N. sativa emulgel has been prepared with dermatological and cosmeceutical benefits.