Formulation and evaluation of gel using ink gland extract from Indian squid Loligo duvauceli

Abstract

Marine organisms play a crucial role in almost all biogeochemical processes that sustain the biosphere, and provide a variety of products (goods) and functions (services) which are essential to humankind’s well-being. The ink gland of Loligo duvauceli consist of melanin granules in a viscous colourless medium. As the ink gland extracts is inspiring new idea for drug development this study focuses on the formulation of gel using ink of Indian squid Loligo duvauceli. The antimicrobial activity of ink gland extract was examined using Agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Mucor.sp, Rhizopus.sp and Microsporum gypseum. For topical treatment of skin infections, a wide variety of vehicle ranging from solids, semisolids and liquid preparations is available to clinicians and patients. Within the major group of semisolid preparations, the use of transparent gels has expanded both in cosmetics and in pharmaceutical preparations. The gel was prepared using the dried ink gland extract from the Indian squid Loligo duvauceli and Carbapol-940(1%), propylene glycol 400, ethanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, EDTA, tri-ethanolamine and distilled water. The experiments was carriedout using ten (Each 5 for gel and cream) adult male Wister rats weighing about 150-200 kg to test for the skin irritation. The area on the back of each rat was shaved prior to the experiment. The shaved areas of skin of each rat was used for the topical application of developed gel.