Aim: Optimization and evaluation of Aceclofenac nanoemulgel for treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and reduction of GI irritation and enhancement of bioavaibility. Materials & methods: Different batches of emulgel and selected batch was proceeded for characterization like particle size, scanning electron microscopy, drug ingredient, in vitro release, Fourier transform infrared and x-ray diffraction in vitro inflammation and gel evaluation such as (spreadability, swelling index), ex vitro permeation, skin irritation and in vivo anti-inflammatory. Result: Emulgel showed nanometri size sustained release (79.96% in 6 h), compatibility and anti-inflammatory activity compared with pure drug. Concluded that emulgels had better (nearly twice as good) anti-inflammatory action as the commercial product. Conclusion: Compared with the commercial gel, the emulgel's anti-inflammatory effect had a quicker onset and a longer duration of action.

Graphical abstract

Plain language summary

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) aceclofenac is used as the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It is generally taken orally. However, there are a few issues with it being taken this way. The main ones are: some of the drug reacts too early in the body, meaning only a small amount of it reaches the parts of the body where it is needed; it can irritate the digestive system; and it does not dissolve very well in water, which also makes it harder to reach the parts of the body where it is needed. The authors of this study created a new type of gel for people to rub into their skin, instead of taking a pill. They hoped that this would allow the drug to be absorbed more directly into the parts of the body where it was needed, without irritating the digestive system. They tested the gel to see how well it contained and released the drug, how well it absorbed into the skin, and whether it irritated the skin. They found that the gel contained and released the drug more effectively than similar gels which are already available and caused less irritation to the skin.

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Vol. 15, No. 3

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History

Received 27 October 2023

Accepted 26 January 2024

Published online 15 February 2024

Published in print March 2024

Information

Keywords

Author contributions

All authors have equal contribution. R: Paper writing, experiment performed. K Shah: data interpretation, experiments. HK Dewangan: supervisor, final check.

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, for providing the necessary facilities.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, stock ownership or options and expert testimony.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The animal study was carried out in the Chandigarh University Animal Lab and approved by the Indian Ethics Committee, approved via Chandigarh University, with project no (CU/2022/IAEC/7/07). The Wistar rats used in the investigation were chosen. All protocol was followed according to the Helsinki protocol guideline.

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