Topical Formulation Comprising Fatty Acid Extract from Cod Liver Oil: Development, Evaluation and Stability Studies.
The purpose of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing fatty acid extract rich in free omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid for topical use. Although the health benefits of cod liver oil and other fish oils taken orally as a dietary supplement have been acknowledged and exploited, it is clear that their use can be extended further to cover their antibacterial properties. In vitro evaluation showed that 20% (v/v) fatty acid extract exhibits good activity against strains of the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptoccoccus pyogenes and Streptoccoccus pneumonia. Therefore, free polyunsaturated fatty acids from cod liver oil or other fish oils can be used as safe and natural antibacterial agents. In this study, ointment compositions containing free fatty acids as active antibacterial agents were prepared by using various natural waxes and characterized. The effects of different waxes, such as carnauba wax, ozokerite wax, laurel wax, beeswax, rice bran wax, candelilla wax and microcrystalline wax, in the concentration range of 1% to 5% (w/w) on the ointment texture, consistency and stability were evaluated. The results showed significant variations in texture, sensory and rheological profiles. This was attributed to the wax's nature and chain composition. Microcrystalline wax gave the best results but laurel wax, beeswax and rice bran wax exhibited excellent texturing, similar sensory profiles and well-balanced rheological properties.
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Hofsvallagata 53, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland. bilievska5@gmail.com.
Biljana
B
Ilievska
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Hofsvallagata 53, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland. thorstlo@hi.is.
Thorsteinn
T
Loftsson
Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, S&#230;mundargata 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. hjalmars@hi.is.
Martha Asdis
MA
Hjalmarsdottir
Lipid Pharmaceuticals, Grandagardur 16, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. gudrun@lipid.is.
Gudrun Marta
GM
Asgrimsdottir
D000287:Administration, Topical; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D003060:Cod Liver Oil / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000737:chemistry; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000737:chemistry; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry; D014885:Waxes / Q000737:chemistry
D005227:Fatty Acids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005395:Fish Oils; D010743:Phospholipids; D014885:Waxes; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; C038228:beeswax; D003060:Cod Liver Oil; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; C026344:carnauba wax
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid); EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid); FA (fatty acid); PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid); ointment