[The application of Harpagophytum procumbens extract in anti-inflammatory preparations applied on skin produced on acrylic acid polymers base].

An attempt was made to use dry standardized extract from Harpagophytum procumbens of confirmed anti-inflammatory activity in formulations applied on skin. To obtain synergy in the area of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity formulations were produced containing plant extract and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ketoprofen). All the preparations were prepared on the base of acrylic acid polymers (Carbopol Ultrez 10, Carbopol 980). The formulations were subjected to complementary physicochemical investigations. Viscosity parameters (structural viscosity, yield stress, thixotrophy) were determined with cone-plate digital rheometer. Potentiometric method was used to measure pH of the produced hydrogels. The test for ketoprofen pharmaceutical availability through a semipermeable membrane to acceptor fluid was performed in vitro. The rate of the process of release was tested by determining the quantity of the therapeutic agent diffusing into acceptor fluid at defined time intervals by spectrophotometric method. The effect of Harpagophytum procumbens extract components on ketoprofen diffusion was estimated. Viscosity tests revealed that all the formulations are viscoelastic systems having yield stress. All model formulations were tested 24h after production and after 6-month storage. All the formulations demonstrate rheological stability and high pharmaceutical availability of ketoprofen. The suggested formulations can be an alternative for market preparations applied on skin of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.