DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ICHTHAMMOL-LOADED NIOSOMAL GEL FOR ENHANCED TOPICAL DERMAL DELIVERY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS
Abstract
Ichthammol is a widely used topical agent for inflammatory dermatomes such as eczema and psoriasis. However, conventional formulations suffer from limitations including poor skin penetration and limited drug retention at the target site. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an Ichthammol-loaded niosomal gel for improved dermal drug delivery. Ichthammol niosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration cum sonication method using Span 60 or Tween 80, combined with cholesterol in varying ratios. Six formulations (F1–F6) were prepared and best formulation was selected based on entrapment efficiency (%EE) and in vitro release. Among all F3 formulation (Span 60: cholesterol ratio1:1.5) exhibited 89.18 ± 0.84% EE, and 91.81 % in vitro drug release. Further, it shows excellent mean particle size 210 nm, PDI 0.235, and zeta potential −29.8 mV. The best niosomal dispersion F3 was incorporated into a Carbopol 940 gel. The final niosomal gel showed pH 6.4 ± 0.12, Spreadability 18.6 ± 0.45 g·cm/s, viscosity 32,500 ± 210 cps, drug content 98.72 ± 0.84%, and no skin irritation. In vitro diffusion studies demonstrated 91.81% cumulative release over 12 h, significantly higher than the marketed Ichthammol gel (60.2%).Release kinetics followed the Higuchi model, indicating diffusion-controlled release. These findings suggest that Ichthammol niosomal gel offers enhanced penetration, sustained release, and improved therapeutic potential for chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
Keywords:
Ichthammol, Niosomes, Topical gel, Entrapment efficiency, In vitro release, Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermal deliveryDOI
https://doi.org/10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i1.383References
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