Author(s):
Mayur V. Chavan, Rushikesh L. Bachhav, Deepak D. Sonavane, Chandrashekhar D. Patil, Shivraj P. Jadhav, Sunil K. Mahajan, Mayur S. Bhamare, Yogesh P. Sharma
Email(s):
mayurchavan62204@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00073 
Address:
Mayur V. Chavan1*, Rushikesh L. Bachhav2, Deepak D. Sonavane1, Chandrashekhar D. Patil3, Shivraj P. Jadhav1, Sunil K. Mahajan4, Mayur S. Bhamare2, Yogesh P. Sharma1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Savitribai Phule Pune University Affiliated, Divine College of Pharmacy, Nampur Road, Satana, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 423301.
2Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Savitribai Phule Pune University Affiliated, Divine College of Pharmacy, Nampur Road, Satana, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 423301.
3Department of Pharmacology, Savitribai Phule Pune University Affiliated, Divine College of Pharmacy, Nampur Road, Satana, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 423301.
4Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University Affiliated, Divine College of Pharmacy, Nampur Road, Satana, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 423301.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Objectives: To develop and optimize a novel antifungal cream formulation containing Ruellia tuberosa extract using Shatadhaut Ghrita as a base through quality-by-design principles for enhanced therapeutic efficacy against common fungal pathogens. Methods: The cream formulation was optimized using 3² full factorial design with Shatadhaut Ghrita concentration (3-5%) and emulsifier blend ratio (4-6%) as independent variables. Formulations were characterized using FTIR, DSC, physicochemical parameters, in vitro release studies, and stability testing. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Results: The optimized formulation (MF5) exhibited ideal physicochemical properties with pH 6.2±0.12, viscosity 12358±245 cP, and spreadability 18.2±0.42g.cm/sec. FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed drug-excipient compatibility. MF5 demonstrated controlled release with 95.8% drug release over 12 hours and maintained stability for 3 months under accelerated conditions (40°C±2°C/75%±5% RH). The formulation showed significant antifungal activity with zones of inhibition of 21.4±0.8mm and 18.6±0.7mm against C. albicans and A. niger respectively, achieving approximately 88% efficacy compared to standard fluconazole. Conclusion: The optimized Ruellia tuberosa loaded Shatadhaut Ghrita cream formulation demonstrates promising potential as a stable, effective alternative to synthetic antifungal agents for topical applications. The enhanced therapeutic efficacy and controlled release profile suggest favourable clinical applications, warranting further in vivo investigations.
Cite this article:
Mayur V. Chavan, Rushikesh L. Bachhav, Deepak D. Sonavane, Chandrashekhar D. Patil, Shivraj P. Jadhav, Sunil K. Mahajan, Mayur S. Bhamare, Yogesh P. Sharma. Development and Optimization of Ruellia tuberosa loaded Shatdhaut Ghrita-based herbal Antifungal Cream. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(2):501-1. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00073
Cite(Electronic):
Mayur V. Chavan, Rushikesh L. Bachhav, Deepak D. Sonavane, Chandrashekhar D. Patil, Shivraj P. Jadhav, Sunil K. Mahajan, Mayur S. Bhamare, Yogesh P. Sharma. Development and Optimization of Ruellia tuberosa loaded Shatdhaut Ghrita-based herbal Antifungal Cream. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(2):501-1. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00073 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-2-2
REFERENCES:
1. Denning DW. Global incidence and mortality of severe fungal disease. Lancet Infect Dis. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00102-6
2. Fisher MC, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Berman J, et al. Tackling the emerging threat of antifungal resistance to human health. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2022; 20: 557–571.DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00720-1
3. Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP. Emerging Trends in the Use of Topical Antifungal-Corticosteroid Combinations. J Fungi. 2022; 8(8): 812.DOI: 10.3390/jof8080812
4. Rayens E, Norris KA. Prevalence and healthcare burden of fungal infections in the United States, 2018. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2022; 9(1):ofab593.DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab593
5. Pathadka S, Yan VKC, Neoh CF, et al. Global Consumption Trend of Antifungal Agents in Humans From 2008 to 2018: Data From 65 Middle- and High-Income Countries. Drugs. 2022; 82(11): 1193–1205.DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01811-2
6. Akhter S, Hossain MW, Sultana S, et al. Ruellia prostrata Poir. activity evaluated by phytoconstituents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activity, and in silico molecular functions. J Saudi Chem Soc. 2022; 26(1): 101401.DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2021.101401
7. Waghchaure RH, Adole VA. Biosynthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using various parts of plants for antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activity: A review. J Indian Chem Soc. 2023; 100(7): 100987.DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2023.100987
8. Wangia CO. Pharmacological, Chemical, Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Profiles of Extracts and Bioactive Compounds from Selected Kenyan Ruellia Species. PhD Thesis. JKUAT-COHES, 2021.
9. Gurib-Fakim A. Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow. Mol Aspects Med. 2006; 27(1): 1–93.DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2005.07.008
10. Deshmukh MD, Patil MP, Ahire ED, et al. Shatdhauta Ghrita: A Promising agent in the development of herbal creams. J Pharm Negat Results. 2022; 13(S1): 1332–1343.DOI: 10.47750/pnr.2022.13.S01.159
11. Wayal SR, Gurav SS. Bhallatakadi Ghrita: Development and evaluation with reference to Murcchana and Shata-Dhauta process. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2020; 11(3): 261–269.DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2020.05.005
12. Majumdar SH, Kulkarni AS, Aloorkar NH, Shinde MD. Exploring Shat Dhaut Ghrita as formulation base for the topical delivery of Curcuma Amada.
13. Babu B, Ravi M, Kumar AB, et al. Burn wound healing potential of Plain gritha, Shatadhauta ghrita and Sahasradhauta ghrita on wistar albino rats. Indian J Tradit Knowl. 2015; 14(2): 202–207.
14. Zafar A, Imam SS, Alruwaili NK, et al. Formulation and evaluation of topical nano-lipid-based delivery of butenafine: in vitro characterization and antifungal activity. Gels. 2022; 8(3): 133. DOI: 10.3390/gels8030133
15. Arushi AB, Sethiya NK, Shilpi S. A systematic study on herbal cream for various clinical and therapeutic application: Current status and future prospects. J Herb Med. 2024; 100880.DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2024.100880
16. Dhamale P, Pardhe AT, Manikpuriya S, et al. Formulation and evaluation of herbal cream containing extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Murraya koenigii.
17. Alburyhi MM, Noman MA, Saif AA, et al. Diclofenac-Excipient Compatibility Studies for Advanced Drug delivery Systems Development. World J Pharm Res. 2024; 13(3): 1297–1333.
18. Al-Ghorafi MA, Alburyhi MM, Noman MA, Ahmed A. Meloxicam-Excipient Compatibility Studies for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Development.
19. Mokhtar SU, Murugan A, Awang CSC. Formulation of herbal cream based on Ziziphus Mauritiana leaves extract and evaluation on physicochemical properties. Int J Eng Technol Sci. 2021;8(1):26–39.
21. Badwaik CB, Lade UB, Agarwal T, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Cream. Int J Pharm Res Appl. 2022;7(3):955–960.Wahrendorff P, Stefanakis M, Steinbach JC, et al. Simultaneous determination of droplet size, pH value and concentration to evaluate the aging behavior of metalworking fluids. Sensors. 2021; 21(24): 8299.DOI: 10.3390/s21248299
22. Attebäck M, Hedin B, Mattsson S. Formulation optimization of extemporaneous oral liquids containing naloxone and propranolol for pediatric use. Sci Pharm. 2022; 90(1): 15.DOI: 10.3390/scipharm90010015
23. Srivastava H, Mishra P, Rao A, et al. Evaluation & Herbal Formulation of Indian Medicinal Plant on Wound Healing Activity on Experimental Animals. J Pharm Negat Results. 2022;13(4):3888–3896.
24. Chimane PA, Mangale PD, Watangi RU. Formulation and evaluation of herbal emulgel loaded with extract of Buchanania lanzan leaves.
25. Penkar GM, Salkar MR, Chavan PS, et al. Formulation and evaluation of herbal hair serum in treatment of various hair-related problems. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2023; 15(1): 105–110.
26. Goyal A, Parihar M. Formulation of a Novel Herbal Moisturizing Lotion with Uncommon Botanical Extracts. PEXACY Int J Pharm Sci. 2023; 2(1): 141–152.