FORMULATION & CHARACTERIZATION OF TOPICAL GEL CONTAINING SANDALWOOD OIL OF NAPROXEN FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

The present research study is based on development of a topical gel formulation of naproxen containing sandalwood oil. The oral administration of naproxen comes with potential gastrointestinal disorders which can be avoided by delivering the drug to the inflammation site at a sustained, concentrated level over an extended period of time. Sandalwood oil, ethanol and carbopol 940 were used in different ratios for preparation of topical gel formulations. Naproxen is a propionic acid derivative of group NSAIDs i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in various inflammatory conditions. Sandalwood oil is used to reduce inflammation and gives soothing and cooling effect. There were six different formulations prepared and characterized in terms of grittiness, pH, drug content, homogeneity and viscosity. The physical compatability was confirmed by drug-excipients compatibility test. Keshary Chien K-C type of diffusion cell was used for the in-vitro drug diffusion studies by using a cellophane membrane. The cumulative present drug release was found to be 99.33% in 3 hours from F3. The overall study suggests that formulae F3 can be used in Naproxen gel preparation using sandalwood oil, which can be an effective drug delivery system in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis since it relives the side effects of naproxen.

Keywords Topical Gel, NSAIDs, Naproxen, Sandalwood oil