Biochem. Cell. Arch. Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 3069-3076, 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2024.24.2.
3069 ISSN 0972-5075
DocID: https://connectjournals.com/03896.2024.24.3069 eISSN 0976-1772
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SARACA INDICA BARK HYDROGEL
FOR ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT
Kamalesh Tripathi1, Mansi Kumari Sinha2, Zankhana P. Sheth3, Poonam P. Taru4, N. Revathi5,
Manoj Kumar Katual6, Beri Sree Giri Prasad7 and Priyanka Goswami*8
1
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow - 226 031, India.
2
IIMT College of Pharmacy, Knowledge Park -III, Greater Noida - 201 310, India.
3
Sardar Patel College of Pharmacy, Bakrol, Anand - 388 001, India.
4
School of Pharmacy, Vishwakarma University, Kondhwa, Pune - 411 048, India.
5
Department of Chemistry, Ramco Institute of Technology, North Venganallur Village, Rajapalayam - 626 117, Virudhunagar, India.
6
Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bhatinda - 151 302, India.
7
Department of Pharmaceutics, Nalla Narasimha Reddy Education Society’s Group of Institutions, Chowdariguda, Ghatkesar,
Medchal, Malkajgiri, Hyderabad - 500 008, India.
8
H K College of Pharmacy, Oshiwara, Jogeshwari (W), Mumbai - 400 102, India.
*Corresponding author - Priyanka Goswami, e-mail : priyanka8408@gmail.com
(Received 17 July 2024, Revised 28 August 2024, Accepted 12 September 2024)
ABSTRACT : This research focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a hydrogel derived from Saraca indica bark for
antimicrobial treatment. The study involved the extraction of phytochemicals from plant leaves using a Soxhlet apparatus with
ethanol, methanol and water as solvents. Hydrogel formulations (F1, F2, F3) were prepared using different gelling agents
(Carbopol 934, Carbopol 940 and HPMC) and were characterized for physical properties, pH, viscosity and antimicrobial
activity. The hydrogel’s homogeneity, spreadability and drug content were assessed, along with in vitro drug release using
Franz diffusion cells to simulate drug absorption. The results showed that the hydrogels exhibited consistent physical properties,
with no phase separation, and a pH range between 5.4 and 6.1, making them suitable for topical application. The evaluation
demonstrated effective formulation procedures and promising results for Saraca indica-based hydrogel as a potential
antimicrobial treatment.
Key words : Saraca indica, hydrogel, antimicrobial treatment, bioactive compounds, wound healing.
How to cite : Kamalesh Tripathi, Mansi Kumari Sinha, Zankhana P. Sheth, Poonam P. Taru, N. Revathi, Manoj Kumar Katual, Beri
Sree Giri Prasad and Priyanka Goswami (2024) Formulation and evaluation of Saraca indica bark hydrogel for antimicrobial
treatment. Biochem. Cell. Arch. 24, 3069-3076. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2024.24.2.3069
INTRODUCTION properties (Rajendran et al, 2014). Recent studies have
Saraca indica, commonly known as Ashoka, is a highlighted the potential of these compounds in combating
significant plant in traditional medicine, particularly in various pathogens, making Saraca indica a promising
Ayurvedic practices, where it is revered for its therapeutic candidate for developing natural antimicrobial agents
properties. This evergreen tree is native to the Indian (Srinivasan, 2014). The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-
subcontinent and is characterized by its bright yellow resistant bacteria has intensified the search for alternative
flowers and dense foliage (Prasad et al, 2014). treatments that are both effective and safe. Natural
Historically, various parts of the Saraca indica plant, products derived from plants offer a viable solution to
including its bark, leaves and flowers, have been utilized this growing concern, as they often possess multiple
for treating a range of ailments such as menstrual mechanisms of action against microorganisms (Ganie et
disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and skin infections. The al, 2014). Hydrogel formulations have emerged as an
bark of Saraca indica is particularly noteworthy due to innovative delivery system for bioactive compounds due
its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including to their unique properties such as high water content,
flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids, which are known biocompatibility and ability to provide sustained release
for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial of active ingredients. Hydrogels can enhance the solubility
Formulation and evaluation of S. indica bark hydrogel for antimicrobial treatment 3075
Table 11 : Spreadability of Hydrogel (Mean & SD). topical application. The in vitro drug release studies further
S. no. Formulations Triplicates Spreadability confirmed sustained drug release from the hydrogel
1 F1 1 9.24±0.08 matrix, which is advantageous for prolonged antimicrobial
activity. Among the different formulations, F1 (Carbopol
2 2
934-based hydrogel) showed superior characteristics in
3 3
terms of homogeneity, spreadability, and pH stability,
4 F2 4 8.36±0.04 making it the most suitable for antimicrobial treatment.
5 5 The antimicrobial efficacy of the Saraca indica hydrogel,
6 6 combined with its favorable physical properties, suggests
that it can be a potential candidate for developing novel,
7 F3 7 8.15±0.05
plant-based topical formulations for treating microbial
8 8
infections.
9 9
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