Comparative Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Plain Gel, Escin-Loaded Niosomal Gel, and Standard Antifungal Drug Against Selected Fungal Strains

Abstract

Fungal infections remain a significant public health concern due to the increasing prevalence of drug resistance and the limitations associated with conventional topical antifungal formulations. The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antifungal efficacy of a plain gel, Escin-loaded niosomal gel, and a standard antifungal drug against selected fungal pathogens. Escin-loaded niosomes were incorporated into a suitable gel base to enhance drug penetration and prolong drug release at the site of application. The antifungal activity of the developed formulations was assessed against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using the agar well diffusion method. Fresh fungal cultures were inoculated onto sterile Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates, and uniform wells were prepared using a sterile cork borer. Equal quantities of plain gel, Escin-loaded niosomal gel, and standard antifungal drug (Fluconazole) were introduced into separate wells, while a blank gel served as the negative control. Following incubation at 37 ± 1°C for 24–48 hours, the diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured and expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n = 3). The Escin-loaded niosomal gel exhibited significantly greater antifungal activity than the plain gel, producing inhibition zones of 18.6 ± 0.9 mm against Candida albicans and 17.2 ± 0.8 mm against Aspergillus niger. In comparison, the plain gel showed inhibition zones of 9.2 ± 0.6 mm and 8.4 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. The standard antifungal drug demonstrated the highest activity with inhibition zones of 20.4 ± 1.1 mm and 19.1 ± 0.9 mm, whereas the blank gel exhibited no antifungal effect. The enhanced activity of the Escin-loaded niosomal gel may be attributed to improved drug encapsulation, sustained release, and increased penetration of Escin into fungal cells. These findings indicate that the developed niosomal gel is a promising topical nanocarrier system with potent antifungal activity and may serve as an effective alternative to conventional topical antifungal formulations.