{"title":"Ethosome-based delivery of betanin and curcumin for improved anti-inflammatory efficacy.","authors":"Sangameshwar B Kanthale, Vaibhav Bharad, Prakash Kendre, Ashish Tale, Sachin Borikar, Shirish Jain","doi":"10.1080/1061186X.2025.2559998","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Natural phytoconstituents such as betanin and curcumin have attracted interest for their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Their therapeutic efficacy is notably constrained by inadequate bioavailability and reduced skin permeability. The current study developed an ethosome-based gel system for the delivery of betanin and curcumin, with the objective of improving transdermal penetration and providing sustained anti-inflammatory effects. Ethosomes were formulated by cold method and optimised for physicochemical characteristics including particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. The optimised formulation exhibited a mean particle size of 202.8 nm, a zeta potential of -56.4 mV and high entrapment efficiencies of 80% for betanin and 85% for curcumin. The characterisation using SEM and FT-IR confirmed the successful encapsulation and structural integrity of the ethosomes. The ethosomal gel demonstrated an optimal pH of 6.5, pseudoplastic viscosity and superior spreadability, making it appropriate for topical use. <i>In vitro</i> diffusion studies demonstrated a sustained release profile lasting 8 h. Skin irritation tests confirmed its biocompatibility. The <i>in vivo</i> anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed in rats by utilising carrageenan model of inflammation, results showed that ethosomal gel significantly attenuated inflammation in animals. These findings indicate that the ethosome preparation represents a promising approach for enhancing anti-inflammatory efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15573,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Targeting","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Drug Targeting","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1061186X.2025.2559998","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Natural phytoconstituents such as betanin and curcumin have attracted interest for their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Their therapeutic efficacy is notably constrained by inadequate bioavailability and reduced skin permeability. The current study developed an ethosome-based gel system for the delivery of betanin and curcumin, with the objective of improving transdermal penetration and providing sustained anti-inflammatory effects. Ethosomes were formulated by cold method and optimised for physicochemical characteristics including particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. The optimised formulation exhibited a mean particle size of 202.8 nm, a zeta potential of -56.4 mV and high entrapment efficiencies of 80% for betanin and 85% for curcumin. The characterisation using SEM and FT-IR confirmed the successful encapsulation and structural integrity of the ethosomes. The ethosomal gel demonstrated an optimal pH of 6.5, pseudoplastic viscosity and superior spreadability, making it appropriate for topical use. In vitro diffusion studies demonstrated a sustained release profile lasting 8 h. Skin irritation tests confirmed its biocompatibility. The in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed in rats by utilising carrageenan model of inflammation, results showed that ethosomal gel significantly attenuated inflammation in animals. These findings indicate that the ethosome preparation represents a promising approach for enhancing anti-inflammatory efficacy.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Drug Targeting publishes papers and reviews on all aspects of drug delivery and targeting for molecular and macromolecular drugs including the design and characterization of carrier systems (whether colloidal, protein or polymeric) for both vitro and/or in vivo applications of these drugs.
Papers are not restricted to drugs delivered by way of a carrier, but also include studies on molecular and macromolecular drugs that are designed to target specific cellular or extra-cellular molecules. As such the journal publishes results on the activity, delivery and targeting of therapeutic peptides/proteins and nucleic acids including genes/plasmid DNA, gene silencing nucleic acids (e.g. small interfering (si)RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes), as well as aptamers, mononucleotides and monoclonal antibodies and their conjugates. The diagnostic application of targeting technologies as well as targeted delivery of diagnostic and imaging agents also fall within the scope of the journal. In addition, papers are sought on self-regulating systems, systems responsive to their environment and to external stimuli and those that can produce programmed, pulsed and otherwise complex delivery patterns.