Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Diethylamine Gel Using Natural Mucilages

The study investigated the use of natural mucilages, specifically okra and hibiscus, as gelling agents in the formulation of diclofenac diethylamine topical gels, known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Various formulations were prepared with different concentrations of okra (2.5-10%) and hibiscus (2.5-10%) mucilages and compared to a standard Carbopol 934 gel (1-2%). These formulations were evaluated based on clarity, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and drug content. The formulation containing 10% hibiscus mucilage (F4) was identified as the optimal formulation, demonstrating that both okra and hibiscus mucilages are effective gelling agents for diclofenac diethylamine gels.