Exploring the therapeutic potential of aloenin-loaded nanogel for imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin conditions: In vitro and in vivo assessment.

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the utilization of an aloenin-containing nanogel formulation as a carrier for the treatment of skin inflammation comparable to psoriasis. Imiquimod (IMQ) was used on mice to generate inflammation mimicking psoriasis. The probe sonicator-induced homogenization method was used to formulate nanogel particles with varying aloenin concentrations, namely 0.25% (NG1) and 0.5% (NG2). The nanogel was then assessed for appearance, size, zeta potential, spreadability, pH, in vitro diffusion, surface morphology (using scanning electron microscopy), and stability. Four groups were randomly selected among the animals: group I: normal control, group II: 1.5 mL IMQ control, group III: IMQ + 0.25% aloenin (NG1), and group IV: IMQ + 0.5% aloenin (NG2). Body weight, erythema, skin thickness scale, proinflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative stress, and histopathological examination were performed. According to the criteria used for the in vitro assessment, the nanogel formulation created had the necessary qualities. The particles had an average size of 79.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.200, and a surface charge of -27.7 mV. According to scanning electron microscopy examination, the nanogel was found to be spherical. The nanogel formulation effectively regulated in vivo parameters, including body weight, psoriasis area severity index, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. According to the histopathological data, aloenin successfully healed damaged skin in IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammatory damage. Using this formulation, psoriatic symptoms could be effectively alleviated through the topical application of aloenin nanogel. As a potential treatment for psoriasis, the aloenin-nanogel formulation may be a beneficial and emerging trend in administering natural compounds in a more pleasant form. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study reports the successful development of an aloenin-loaded nanogel that effectively treats imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in vivo. The nanogel exhibited favorable physicochemical properties and significantly reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease severity. Histopathological analysis confirmed improved skin healing. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of natural compound-based nanogels as a safer and effective strategy for managing inflammatory skin disorders.