FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL IN-SITU GEL FOR GLAUCOMA

Worldwide, glaucoma is the second most important cause of blindness and irreversible vision loss. Raised IOP (Intraocular Pressure) is not always a mark of glaucoma; it is a key risk factor and a cause of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Herbal preparations have various active and inactive compounds which are not standardized likewise, Camellia sinensis and Areca catechu having various active constituents such as polyphenolic compounds, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quercetin, etc which are having few therapeutic responses that are not yet reported. Aim is to study the pharmacological responses of drugs for Glaucoma. Drugs were authenticated by botanist of SUK. Camellia sinensis was extracted with ethanol, and Areca catechu was extracted using hydroalcohol by Soxhlet method. The extracted powder was analyzed by UV, FTIR, and phytochemical screening were carried out. Phytochemical test confirms the presence of phytoconstituents. The extract was administered by formulating an ocular film using polymers such as chitosan and HPMC. The film was evaluated for folding endurance, thickness, drug content uniformity, pH, eye irritancy test, sterility and In vitro drug release. The Animal experimentation protocol in prescribed proforma Form B was approved by IAEC BVCP Kolhapur. Toxicity study was performed like eye irritation test, sensitivity test and Draize test on Rabbit eye as per OECD guidelines. Glaucoma was induced by dexamethasone 0.5% eye drop, effect of this drug was observed, then the increased IOP was measured by the tonometer after that extract was administered and significant IOP of 18.5% was observed. Hence the proposed work may be extended for further clinical trials.