A validated HPTLC method for determination of tea tree oil from cosmeceutical formulations.

A HPTLC method has been developed and validated for the determination of tea tree oil from cosmeceutical formulations. Tea tree oil concentration was estimated by analyzing the terpinen-4-ol content. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254. The solvent system consisted of toluene and ethyl acetate in the ratio 85:15. The calibration curve of terpinen-4-ol was linear in the range of 100-900 ng. The polynomial regression data for the calibration plots showed a good linear relationship with r(2)=0.9949. The Rf value of terpinen-4-ol was found to be 0.62+/-0.05. The method was validated for precision and accuracy. The minimum detectable amount was found to be 60 ng. The limit of quantitation was found to be 100 ng. The drug content was within the limits (+/-5% of the labeled content of the formulations). The recovery of tea tree oil was greater than 99%. The method was found to be simple, sensitive, precise, accurate and specific for estimation of tea tree oil from formulations.

Formulation and evaluation of an effective pH balanced topical antimicrobial product containing tea tree oil.

The effect of pH on the antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil formulations was studied. Microemulsions, liposomal dispersions, multiple emulsions and a colloidal bed of sterile clay were formulated using 5% w/w of tea tree oil. A number of formulations were prepared at various pH values (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0). Thermal stability studies showed that the formulations were stable for more than eight months. Agar dilution tests showed MICs of 1.0% v/v S. aureus and S. epidermidis. In the broth dilution test, MBC of the oil for P. acnes was 0.5% v/v. MIC and MBC values were comparable to those of non-formulated tea tree oil, indicating that tea tree oil retained its activity in the above-mentioned formulations. The microbiological evaluation showed that the formulations containing 5% w/w tea tree oil had a maximum effect at pH 5.5.

Tea tree oil concentration in follicular casts after topical delivery: determination by high-performance thin layer chromatography using a perfused bovine udder model.

Tea tree oil, a popular antimicrobial agent is recommended for the treatment of acne vulgaris, a disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Tea tree oil formulations (colloidal bed, microemulsion, multiple emulsion, and liposomal dispersion containing 5% w/w tea tree oil) were applied to bovine udder skin. The follicular uptake of tea tree oil upon application was determined by a cyanoacrylate method. Tea tree oil was determined by quantifying terpinen-4-ol content using high-performance thin layer chromatography. The accumulation of tea tree oil in the follicular casts was 0.43 +/- 0.01, 0.41 +/- 0.009, 0.21 +/- 0.006, and 0.16 +/- 0.005 percentage by weight (milligram oil/gram of sebum plug) for microemulsion, liposomal dispersion, multiple emulsion, and colloidal bed, respectively. This is the first study of its kind to quantify tea tree oil concentration in the follicles.

Dual coated erodible microcapsules for modified release of diclofenac sodium.

Diclofenac sodium was formulated as novel enteric microcapsules for improved delivery to the intestine using the polymers cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and ethyl cellulose (EC). The enteric coating was given using an innovative technique combining the wet granulation and thermal change methods. The novel process was analysed for its capability to produce microcapsules of uniform size, good flowability, uniform drug loading and maximum entrapment efficacy and the absence of interaction between drug and process parameters as well as the polymers. In vitro release study was carried out in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for first 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) for next 6 h. The best formulation that contained cellulose acetate phthalate and ethyl cellulose in the concentration of 10:90 at 1:1.5 drug-polymer ratio (B3) was further evaluated using in vivo for its pharmacodynamic efficacy and ulcerogenicity. In addition to sustained and uniform release of drug, the formulation B3 showed better anti-inflammatory activity than the marketed formulation and retarded drug release in the gastric medium. The biological examination of incised stomach showed no histological alterations in term of mucous surface cells and glands.