DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATIONS OF TRANSETHOSOMAL GEL LOADED WITH RUBIA CORDIFOLIA EXTRACT FOR TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS

POOJA GAJANAN AKOSHKAR; RAHUL DHYANESHWAR KHAIRE; VIKAS DAMU KUNDE

doi:10.22159/ijap.2025v17i6.55717

Authors

POOJA GAJANAN AKOSHKAR Department of Pharmaceutics, PRES’s College of Pharmacy (For Women), Chincholi, Sinnar, Nashik-422102, India
RAHUL DHYANESHWAR KHAIRE Department of Pharmaceutics, PRES’s College of Pharmacy (For Women), Chincholi, Sinnar, Nashik-422102, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7323-839X
VIKAS DAMU KUNDE Department of Pharmaceutics, PRES’s College of Pharmacy (For Women), Chincholi, Sinnar, Nashik-422102, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2025v17i6.55717

Keywords:

Rubia cordifolia, Transethosomes, Psoriasis, Topical delivery, Box–behnken design, Skin permeation

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop and optimize a transethosomal gel loaded with Rubia cordifolia extract to enhance its topical delivery and therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methods: A box–behnken factorial design was employed to optimize transethosome formulations using three independent variables: Phospholipon 90 G, sodium deoxycholate, and ethanol concentration. Vesicle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were evaluated as responses. The optimized batch was incorporated into a gel using Carbopol 940 and Gellan gum. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical properties, ex-vivo skin permeation, and accelerated stability.

Results: Among 17 formulations, the optimized batch (F13), selected based on desirability and experimental validation, showed a vesicle size of 111.73 nm, zeta potential of −28.15 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 86.54%. The optimized transethosomal gel (TF3) exhibited pH of 6.02 ± 0.04, viscosity of 21,873 ± 157 cP, spreadability of 30.92 ± 1.15 g·cm/s, and drug content of 98.42 ± 0.95%. TF3 demonstrated sustained drug release (91.05 ± 2.32% over 12 h), steady-state flux of 7.59 µg/cm²/h for TF3 formulation and remained stable over three months under accelerated conditions.

Conclusion: The optimized transethosomal gel effectively enhanced the solubility, stability, and skin permeation of Rubia cordifolia extract. While permeation enhancement was demonstrated, anti-psoriatic efficacy validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is required to confirm therapeutic potential for psoriasis management. These findings suggest promising translational value, warranting further in vivo and clinical investigations.

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