Harnessing Synergistic Antimicrobial Potency: Clindamycin Phosphate and Aloe Vera Topical Gel for Advanced Acne Therapy
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Topical drug delivery presents a promising approach for the treatment of dermatological conditions, such as acne vulgaris. This study examined the combination of clindamycin phosphate (C.P), a potent topical antibiotic, with Aloe vera (A. vera), recognized for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, to formulate topical gels for acne management. The principal aim of the study was to develop and assess topical gels that utilize the antimicrobial properties of C.P and A. vera. The study anticipated that this combination would enhance antimicrobial effectiveness, potentially improving acne treatment results and reducing hyperpigmentation. Utilizing the cold dispersion method, the study crafted topical gels incorporating a blend of excipients including Carbopol 940, oleic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol (PG), eucalyptus oil, methyl paraben, and propyl paraben. Optimization of viscosity, spreadability, and permeability was meticulously executed through Design Expert 11 software. The resultant optimized gels underwent rigorous in-vitro characterization to gauge their performance. Notably, these gels demonstrated desirable rheological attributes, boasting a pH of 7.1, spreadability and viscosity values of 32.9 g.cm/sec and 38.25 Pa.s, respectively. Furthermore, the drug content adhered to stringent USP standards (90%-110%), while in-vitro drug release studies depicted a commendable profile. Moreover, the gels exhibited noteworthy antioxidant activity and heightened antimicrobial efficacy against acne-causing bacteria. This compelling combination renders the formulated gels stable, reproducible, and skin-compatible, thus underscoring their potential as efficacious topical formulations for managing acne.
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