Formulation and Development of Methotrexate Loaded Nano Emulsion for Treatment of Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory condition, is increasingly prevalent and associated with various life-threatening diseases. The formulation was assessed for physicochemical properties, entrapment efficiency, drug release kinetics, and stability. The final optimized Methotrexate (MTX) nano emulsion had a particle size of 30.69 nm, a PDI of 0.65, and an average entrapment efficiency of 76.57%. After 20 hours, the drug release kinetics indicated a 72.47% release at pH 5.5. FTIR analysis showed that the optimized MTX nano emulsion formulation effectively fluidized both the epidermis and dermis, potentially enhancing drug permeability and retention. In vivo studies on rabbit skin demonstrated that the increased penetration of methotrexate-loaded nano emulsion gel was not due to structural changes in the intercellular lipid layers of the stratum corneum. These results suggest that MTX nano emulsion based on neem oil could be a potential treatment for psoriasis and might reduce the recurrence of psoriasis-like symptoms.