Preparation of microemulsionbased gels from carpet weed [Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC., Molluginaceae] dry extract

Abstract

Carpet weed [Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC, Molluginaceae] has the ability to inhibit microorganisms because its extract contains flavonoids, which are considered as a promising source of plantbased antibiotics for the production of antibiotics. Microemulsion-gels prepared from carpet weed could distribute a great amount of active ingredients to the skin surface. Carpet weed dry extract was purified by 90% ethanol, and its bio-activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. The results helped to determine the formula for antibacterial gels. Microemulsion composition was determined on the basis of the microemulsion region constructed on a ternary phase diagram with isopropyl myristate, tween 20, span 80 and water. Three carpet weed microemulsion formulations were manipulated and tested for their appearance, pH, viscosity, droplet size distribution, and phase strength. The physical parameters of carpet weed microemulsion included pH 4.527, average particle size about 14 nm and being stable after 6 cycles of heat shock. Carpet weed microemulsion gels satisfied physical and chemical criteria and exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity.