Formulation and Optimization of Novel Controlled Release of Topical Thyme Oil- Loaded Organogel with Better Stability and Longer Activity

Despite being effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi, thyme oil's volatility prevented simple standard gel formulations from being tested in clinical settings. The main issues with formulation and development employing thyme oil as the active component include microbial growth in the formulation, phase separation, and incompatibility with aqueous components. A key component of essential oils, thymol is a phenolic molecule. Due to the prolonged therapy and repeated doses of azole antifungals, there has been an increase in both microbiological and clinical resistance. This is actually due to genomic changes in strains of Rhizopus oryazae that are frequently brought on by gene mutations that change the molecular mechanisms at the micron scale. Topical drug delivery methods include ointments, creams, liquid preparations, powders, aerosols, and gels. To forecast the compositions of gelling solutions, a ternary plot showing the ratios of water, thyme oil, and surfactant mixture with gelator was developed. Antifungal susceptibility testing of Thyme oil was done in order to identify the zone of the ternary plot fulfilling MIC. A study on in vitro diffusion was conducted, and the % release was measured in terms of thymol. Comparing the optimized organogel formulation to the traditional Thyme oil gel formulation, it was discovered that the optimised organogel was more physically and biologically stable. The current study emphasises the value of the method chosen to analyse formulation issues to enhance the physical stability of oily active components.