Diffusion and Lipolysis Test on Forskolin Microemulsion Gel

Abstract

Forskolin is a labdane diterpene that acts as lipolysis, while microemulsion is a delivery system that works as a penetration enhancer at topical application. This study aims to determine the diffusion profile, lipolysis test and skin histology of FSK microemulsion gel applied topically. The diffusion test used Franz cell, while lipolysis activity was carried out on 42 mice which were divided into 7 groups consisting of 6 groups given high fat-fed and 1 group given standard fed as normal control. The six groups were: A1 gel, A1 gel used twice a day, A1 gel base, emulgel, slimming gel product, and control with high fed-fat. The results showed that the A1 microemulsion formula and A1 gel were able to diffuse around 36.81±2.08% and 18.05±0.32% for 6 hours of observation, respectively. Statistical analysis using the least significant difference in body weight changes gave the result that gel A1 twice a day reduced body weight by -3.81 ± 3.17% with p < 0.01 against the control, whereas in the ex vivo lipolysis test it released glycerol levels of 15.99±1.55 nmol/hour with p < 0.05 to control. Histological observations showed that topical application of A1 gel formula showed lysis of lipids in the hypodermis. From the results of this study, microemulsions can deliver forskolin to adipose tissue, thereby forskolin can act as a lipolytic agent.