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Abstract

The aim of the current investigation was to prepare and investigate the potential of Clobetasol (CP) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles based gel (SLN-gel) for the dermal delivery and to evaluate its anti-psoriatic efficacy by comparing with conventional ointment formulation. This study will provide an insight into the use of nanocarriers, esp. SLNs loaded with CP for the effective treatment of psoriasis. Clobetasol-loaded SLNs were formulated by the emulsification-homogenisation method and were characterized for particle size and polydispersity using DLS technique. The optimized SLNs were loaded into a gel and evaluated for drug release, spreadability. Anti-psoriatic efficacy of the SLNs gel was evaluated in imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriatic plaque model by comparing with prepared conventional ointment formulation (0.05% w/w CP). Optimized SLNs attains a particle size of 133.3 ± 3.66 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.179 ± 0.081, percentage entrapment efficiency of 78.1 ± 1.11% and Zeta potential of-36.2 ± 0.11 mV. The prepared SLNs gel was then compared with conventional ointment for drug release and efficacy. Topical application of Clobetasol-loaded SLNs gel on IMQ induced psoriatic plaque model reduced the symptoms of psoriasis, which was assessed by both Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scoring and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was a significant reduction in disease severity and cytokines like Interleukins-17, 22, 23 and Tumor necrosis factor-a by the developed system in comparison to the negative control. To conclude, CP-loaded SLNs gel enhanced dermal delivery and was efficacious in management of psoriasis when compared to conventional ointment. INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that was characterized by erythematous lesions with epidermal hyperplasia (acanthosis) and extensive inflammation 1 .