Formulation and Evaluation of Ketoconazole Topical Gel with Aloe Vera Extract for Enhanced Antifungal Activity Madhuri Shringirishi, Laxman Singh, Tarun Pokhariyal, Mohd. Firoj Tanwar, Talim

This research aimed to develop and test a topical gel combining ketoconazole with Aloe vera extract to improve antifungal effectiveness and reduce skin irritation. While ketoconazole is a well-known antifungal medication, it can sometimes cause discomfort or have limited absorption through the skin. To address this, Aloe vera—recognized for its calming, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects—was added to the formulation. The gel was made using Carbopol 940 as the base, along with necessary co-solvents and preservatives. Several quality parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, consistency, drug content, and stability under accelerated conditions were assessed. In vitro studies showed that the gel containing Aloe vera allowed for more consistent and prolonged drug release compared to the regular ketoconazole gel. Antifungal tests against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rub rum demonstrated larger zones of inhibition in the Aloe-infused formulation, suggesting better therapeutic action. Overall, the study indicates that combining Aloe vera with ketoconazole not only boosts antifungal performance but also enhances skin tolerance and user comfort, making it a strong candidate for treating common fungal skin infections.