SARFARAZ AHMAD, NITESH KUMAR
The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of nanoemulsion formulation for topical delivery of Betamethasone Dipropionate (BD) using Salmon fish oil (containing omega-3 fatty acids) as the oil phase. BD has antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative activity. However, its clinical use is restricted to some extent due to its poor permeability across the skin. Salmon fish oil was used as the oil phase and was also exploited for its antiinflammatory effect along with BD in the treatment of inflammation associated with psoriasis. Nanoemulsion formulations were prepared by aqueous phase titration method, using Salmon fish oil, tween 80, Transcutol P and water as the oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant and aqueous phase respectively. Furthermore, different formulations were subjected to evaluate for ex vivo permeation and in vivo anti-inflammatory and irritation study. The optimized nanoemulsion was converted into hydrogel-thickened nanoemulsion system (HTN) using carbopol 971 and had a viscosity of 98.07 ± 0.07 mP. The optimized formulation had small average diameter (129.89 nm) with zeta potential of -36.09 mV which indicated good long-term stability. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity indicated 85.22% and 33.31% inhibition of inflammation for drug loaded and placebo formulation respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity of placebo nanoemulsion reveals that Salmon fish oil having Anti-inflammatory activity and in combination with BD may be useful for psoriasis treatment in future.
