Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Christian Alalor, Sinodukoo Okafo, John Avbunudiogba, Emmanuel Agbamu and Edirin Ejukonemu

Abstract:
Ethosomes are pliable phospholipids nanovesicles, with high ethanol content (20-45%) and water for dermal and transdermal delivery. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of piroxicam-loaded ethosomal gel. The ethosomal formulations were prepared using the hot method. Six batches of piroxicam ethosomal gels (EG1-EG6) were prepared by incorporating the ethosomal suspensions into carbopol gel bases and two extra batches of plain gels without ethosomal suspensions (PG1and PG2) were made. All 8 batches were evaluated for physicochemical properties, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The in vivo anti-inflammatory potentials of the piroxicam ethosomal gels were compared with those of the plain gels. The physicochemical evaluation showed gel spreadability and extrudability values of 2.05-5.00 g.cm/sec and 9.60-38.46% respectively. Plain gels gave higher viscosity values than ethosomal gels. Formulation EG2 exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in comparison with the control. Also the formulations containing the ethosomal vesicle (EG1 and EG2) showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the reference plain gel PG2. The optimized formulation EG2 (0.5% Phospholipid and 40% ethanol), exhibited better profile with a percentage edema inhibition of 50.9% as against 40.48% for the reference formulation PG2.Ethosomes could be an efficient carrier for the transdermal delivery of piroxicam in the treatment of inflammation.