Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Combretum roxburghii-Mediated Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Topical Gel

The present study aimed to develop a green synthesized silver nanoparticle-loaded topical gel using the hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Combretum roxburghii and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics, in vitro drug release, and antifungal activity. The hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by maceration and subjected to phytochemical screening, total flavonoid, and total phenolic content estimation. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using different concentrations of silver nitrate and extract-to-metal ion ratios. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for percentage yield, flavonoid content, particle size, and zeta potential to identify the optimized formulation. The optimized nanoparticles were incorporated into Carbopol 940 gel formulations and evaluated for physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, extrudability, flavonoid content, and in vitro drug release. Antifungal activity was assessed against Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus using the agar well diffusion method.