Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Ibuprofen Emulgel using Zingiber officinale and Nigella sativa as a Natural Excipient

Al-Hamadani, Mustafa H.; Kadhum, Zahraa M; Alaayedi, Maryam; Hayder Hussain, Maryam; Hayder Hassan, Narjis; Abed Jaber, Fatima

doi:10.22034/jmpb.2026.373003.2207

Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Ibuprofen Emulgel using Zingiber officinale and Nigella sativa as a Natural Excipient

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of alkafeel, Najaf, Iraq

² Al-Najaf Health Directorate, Najaf, Iraq

³ Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq

⁴ Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Ahl Al Bayt University, Kerbala, Iraq

10.22034/jmpb.2026.373003.2207

Abstract

Emulgels have been developed as a potential drug delivery system for hydrophobic drugs. This study aimed to formulate an ibuprofen emulgel, utilizing Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent and ginger oil and black seed oil as penetration enhancers. An emulsion was prepared and then incorporated into a gel base. All prepared ibuprofen emulgel formulations (F0–F6) demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties suitable for topical application. The pH values (4.1–5.8) were within the normal physiological range for skin, indicating that the emulgels are safe and non-irritating. Although increasing concentrations of ginger oil and black seed oil led to a decrease in pH values, these readings remained within the permissible range. The blank formulation (F0) exhibited the highest spreadability, while formulations containing ibuprofen and natural oils showed moderately lower values. Ginger oil formulations (F1–F3) demonstrated moderate and fairly consistent spreadability. Black seed oil formulations (F4–F6) had slightly lower, but still acceptable, spreadability values. Viscosity tests indicated that the blank formulation had the highest viscosity. Increasing the proportion of ginger oil resulted in a rapid drop in viscosity, while black seed oil formulations maintained relatively higher viscosity values. This confirms that natural oils influence the rheology and flow properties of the gel. A skin irritation test confirmed that all formulations were non-irritating for up to 24 hours post-application. In conclusion, all screened formulations were stable, safe, and suitable for the topical delivery of ibuprofen. Variations in natural oil concentration affected viscosity and spreadability but did not compromise skin compatibility.

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