Development and Evaluation of a Carbopol 940-Based Polyherbal Gel for Potential Topical Anticancer Treatment

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of a Carbopol 940-based polyherbal gel (Formulation S5) incorporating extracts of Lantana camara, Aloe vera, Cordia obliqua, Ipomoea cairica, and Callicarpa macrophylla for potential topical anticancer applications. The gel formulations were prepared using Carbopol 940 (0.5–3%) and characterized for organoleptic properties, pH (6.1–6.9), viscosity (1415–1911 cps), spreadability (11.5–31.25 g·cm/sec), and extrudability (>80%, rated as good). Stability testing over three months confirmed physical and chemical stability under ICH conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity using MTT assay on A431 skin cancer cells demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition, with an IC₅₀ of 36.64 µg/mL. In vivo anticancer efficacy was evaluated in a DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis model in Swiss albino mice. Formulation S5 significantly reduced tumor incidence, tumor burden, and tumor yield compared to the carcinogen control group, with improved body weight maintenance. Histopathological analysis confirmed the protective effect of the formulation. The findings indicate that Formulation S5 exhibits promising anticancer activity and warrants further molecular investigations.