Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate methotrexate-loaded nanoemulgel for topical delivery in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
 Methods: Based on nanoemulsion composition, the pseudo ternary phase diagram was fabricated by using peanut oil, Tween 20 as the surfactant, and PEG 400 being used as a co-surfactant. The methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsion was formulated by using the spontaneous emulsification method. Badam gum was used as a gel matrix in the prepared nanoemulsion to form nanoemulgel. The methotrexate loaded nanoemulgel was characterized and evaluated for pH, particle size, physical appearance, viscosity, spreadability, TEM, drug content, diffusion study, release kinetics, and stability studies.
 Results: The nanoemulgel constituting 8.6% peanut oil, 34.4% of Tween 20 and PEG 400 as Smix (surfactant and co-surfactant mixture), 43% water, and 12.5% w/w badam gum was concluded as optimized formulation. The prepared nanoemulgel was translucent in nature having a particle size of 195.1nm and zeta potential of -0.278mV. Drug content and drug release for the optimized formulation were found to be 98.11±0.34% and 95.11±0.02% respectively. pH, viscosity, and spreadability were found to be optimum. Stability study data showed that the prepared nanoemulgel was stable at different temperatures varying from -25 to +45ºC.
 Conclusion: Methotrexate loaded nanoemulgel has been formulated for topical drug delivery for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Highlights
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the complex autoimmune disorders associated with chronic inflammatory pain, and swelling of joints, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and other organs of the body [1]
Int J App Pharm, Vol 13, Issue 5, 2021, 351-357 market; Tween 20 was purchased from Loba Chemie Pvt Ltd, Mumbai; Polyethylene Glycol 400 was purchased from Leonid Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Bangalore; Benzyl alcohol was purchased from Merck; Badam gum was prepared in the laboratory
The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of pure methotrexate was compared with the FT-IR spectra of drug and excipients as shown in fig
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the complex autoimmune disorders associated with chronic inflammatory pain, and swelling of joints, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and other organs of the body [1]. It is based on numerous interacting eco-physiological and genetic factors that make it difficult to learn its pathogenesis and to detect effective treatment. The immune system of the body affects its tissues along with joints[2]. The linings of joints are affected by Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes painful swelling. The focal point in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is pain reduction, reduction of inflammation, and damage to joints [4,5,6]
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