Abstract
Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex pathophysiology. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) a polyphenolic, colorless compound that is more polar than curcumin. It possesses superior anti-inflammatory properties and has a clinical advantage over curcumin. The present study investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of THC solid lipid nanoparticle (THC-SLN)-based gels in AD. THC-SLNs prepared using microemulsification resulted in a particle size of 109.2 nm as determined by nanoparticle tracking, and FTIR confirmed the entrapment of drug within the lipid matrix. THC-SLNs greatly enhanced skin hydration when tested both ex vivo and in vivo in Lacca mice. Deeper skin penetration was clearly established using dermatokinetics and CLSM. The in vivo pharmacodynamics of THC-SLNs gel in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mice showed enhanced bioactivity; reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-6; and complete healing, as evident from histopathological studies. Thus, the novel topical THC-SLN gel has potential to emerge as a safe alternative to conventional corticosteroids for AD and other skin disorders with overbearing inflammation.
Highlights
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, intensely pruritic skin disorder that is challenging and frustrating to treat
Formulation of Lipidic Nanoparticles Loaded with Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC-SLNs)
Droplet breakup is mainly dependent upon the amount of shear force applied for deformation, but its maintenance and avoidance of coalescence are established by the ability of the surfactant to adsorb on the surface of newly formed droplets, which depends upon the concentration and surface activity of the selected surfactant [38]
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, intensely pruritic skin disorder that is challenging and frustrating to treat It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Topical corticosteroids are the first-line therapies for AD but may lead to thinning of the skin on chronic usage [2]. Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus have attracted a lot of attention over recent years for efficacy in treating AD, but are not recommended for long term or chronic therapy due to the high associated risks of skin cancer and lymphoma [3]. Lack of safe available therapies to cater to a complete cure of AD have led researchers to explore alternative therapeutics from natural sources that are expected to not be allergenic or harmful, or not accumulate toxic metabolites [4]
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