Author(s):
Junaid S Shaikh, Vasim T Pathan
Email(s):
skjunaid.pharm@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00050 
Address:
Junaid S Shaikh1*, Vasim T Pathan2
1Assistant Professor, Shree Sureshdada Jain Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamner.
2Associate Professor, Mahavir Institute of Pharmacy, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 4,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Topical drug delivery systems offer a targeted and non-invasive approach for treating dermatological conditions; however, the effectiveness of conventional formulations is often limited by poor drug penetration through the stratum corneum. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a nano-emulsion-based gel containing sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil to enhance topical delivery and therapeutic efficiency. Sea buckthorn oil was extracted using supercritical CO2 extraction to preserve its bioactive constituents. Nano-emulsions were formulated using a surfactant blend of Tween 80 and Span 80, followed by high-speed homogenization and ultrasonication to achieve nanoscale droplets. The optimized nano-emulsion was further incorporated into a gel system using hydroxyethylcellulose and xanthan gum to improve application characteristics. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug content, spreadability, thermodynamic stability, and in-vitro drug release. The developed nano-emulsion gel showed appropriate pH compatible with skin, high drug content (>97%), nanoscale droplet size (142–176 nm), and good stability with zeta potential values ranging from -32.4 to -36.2 mV. In-vitro diffusion studies demonstrated sustained and enhanced drug release, with the optimized formulation exhibiting maximum release of 93.8% within 8 hours. The results confirm that nano-emulsion gel significantly improves the stability, penetration, and release characteristics of sea buckthorn oil. Therefore, the developed nano-emulsion-based gel represents a promising and effective carrier system for topical delivery of natural bioactive compounds for dermatological applications.
Cite this article:
Junaid S Shaikh, Vasim T Pathan. Development and Evaluation of a Sea buckthorn Oil-based Nano-emulsion Gel for Enhanced Topical Drug Delivery. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2026; 16(4):339-8. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00050
Cite(Electronic):
Junaid S Shaikh, Vasim T Pathan. Development and Evaluation of a Sea buckthorn Oil-based Nano-emulsion Gel for Enhanced Topical Drug Delivery. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2026; 16(4):339-8. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00050 Available on: https://www.ajpsonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-4-3
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