Development and Evaluation of Naringenin Loaded Niosomal gel

Abstract

The pathophysiology of some chronic diseases, such as viral and autoimmune diseases, is increasingly thought to involve inflammation. Interest in plant-derived products has increased again because of the negative effects and resistance linked to traditional treatments like glucocorticoids and antibiotics. Large amounts of naringenin, a Phyto flavonoid present in citrus fruits, have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. However, its limited clinical applicability is caused by its poor water solubility and poor absorption. As a result, niosomes containing naringenin were optimized using Box-Behnken design and made using a thin-film hydration technique. Important formulation parameters, such as Span 60 concentration, cholesterol level, and hydration duration, were examined to determine how they affected particle size and drug entrapment effectiveness. The particle size of the improved niosomal preparation was around 310 nm, and its entrapment effectiveness was approximately 82%. A stable, skin-compatible topical system was produced by dispersing the niosomal dispersion in a Carbopol 934 gel. According to diffusion-controlled mechanisms and zero-order kinetics, in vitro permeation tests via Strat-M® membrane demonstrated a controlled release of the medication. Overall, the naringenin-loaded niosomal gel presents a viable strategy to improve topical administration, therapeutic efficacy, and patient adherence.

Highlight

1. Need for Innovation:

Topical delivery of bioactive compounds like naringenin is limited by its poor water solubility and low skin permeability, reducing its therapeutic efficacy. Naringenin control formulations fail to provide sustained action and optimal skin retention. Therefore, there's a need for an innovative carrier system that enhances skin permeation, entrapment, and controlled release.

1. Formulation Plan: Develop a niosomal gel formulation incorporating naringenin to improve its topical bioavailability. The plan involves:

• Preparing niosomes using the thin-film hydration method
• Optimizing for particle size, entrapment efficiency
• Incorporating niosomes into a Carbopol 934 gel base for topical application.

1. Formulation Strategy:
   • Step 1: Thin Film Hydration ➔ Naringenin-loaded Niosomes (Optimized via Box-Behnken Design)
   • Step 2: Incorporation into Carbopol Gel.
2. Key Results :

Particle size: ~310 nm ➔Entrapment Efficiency: ~82% ➔ Controlled Drug Release (24 hours) ➔ Zero-order kinetics & diffusion-controlled release.