In Vivo Evaluation Of Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Ethosomal Gel For Topical Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy Using Carrageenan-Induced Rat Paw Edema Model

Abstract

Nyctanthesarbor-tristis ethosomal gel (EG-NAT-12) was developed using an optimized ratio of ethanol and phospholipids with Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent to enhance topical delivery and bioadhesion. The formulation exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including a pH of 5.72 ± 0.06, high drug content (97.1 ± 0.46%), satisfactory spreadability, and an entrapment efficiency of 91.8%. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of EG-NAT-12 was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in Wistar rats and compared with a standard diclofenac gel. Results showed that the ethosomal gel significantly reduced paw edema in a time-dependent manner, achieving 34.69% inhibition at 4 hours post-carrageenan administration, closely comparable to the 40.82% inhibition observed with diclofenac gel. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these findings (p < 0.05). The enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of EG-NAT-12 is attributed to the ethosomal system's ability to improve skin penetration and sustain drug release. This study demonstrates that ethosomal encapsulation of Nyctanthesarbor-tristis extract is a promising approach for developing effective herbal topical anti-inflammatory therapies, providing a potential alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Further investigations including long-term safety and clinical studies are recommended.