T.A. Sokolskaya, V.F. Okhotnikova, O.A. Semkina, M.A. Dzhavakhyan, O.V. Bondarenko, E.Y. Babaeva, A.S. Khomik

Herbal medicines are widely used in medical practice for the treatment of various diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Their use is particularly effective in chronic form, as herbal medicine and fitoprophylaxis can be used for long periods without fear of side effects, which is especially important in dermatology and gynecology. Herbal preparations containing active substances, which in most cases are non-toxic, non-irritating, do not cause allergic reactions, and most importantly - are active against strains of microorganisms and viruses that are resistant to antibiotics and synthetic drugs. The rational combination of herbal drugs with different adjuvants, as well as the optimal use of the technological scheme of manufacturing gel formulation outdoors greatly expands the therapeutic possibilities of herbal remedies for the treatment and prevention of dermatological diseases. Drugs based on plant extracts occupy significant place, their medicinal value is based on the fact that they contain a range of biologically active substances. Studies conducted by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR RAAS) and the Department of General Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Technology of the People`s Friendship University of Russia (PFU) demonstrated the need to develop a drug that has wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this work is to develop a gel formulation based on dry arnica and stability study of the dosage form. To achieve this goal, following problems were solved: excipients for the manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage forms of arnica extract dry were selected, optimum gel technology was developed, and its stability was studied. During study were examined solubility of arnica foliosa dry extract, analyzed the degree of dispersion of dry extract, determined the shape, size and microstructure of the particles of the extract. As a structurant to make arnica gel was selected Carbopol (940P, 941R). As a preservative was used nipagin - methyl parahydroxybenzoic acid. The stability of the developed gel was studied with the use of physical, chemical, rheological and microbiological methods of analysis of the following indicators: the appearance of a gel, color, odor, pH, homogeneity. During tests, no release of oil or water phase were observed. Authenticity, the quantitative content of the extract, the viscosity of the gel and microbiological purity correspond to the project FSP «Gel of Arnica dry extract».