Skin targeting of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles-engrossed topical gel for the treatment of pigmentation and irritant contact dermatitis

Abstract

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and hyperpigmentation are the problems associated with skin. Topical curcumin (CUR) although effective in hyperpigmentation and ICD, is a challenging molecule due to low-solubility. Encapsulation of CUR into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) makes it amenable to topical dosing as their small size promotes its penetration into the skin. CUR-SLNs were prepared using Precirol ATO5 and Tween-80 by probe ultrasonication method. Further, CUR-SLNs were incorporated into Carbopol gel and investigated for ex-vivo skin permeation, skin deposition and skin irritation studies. The potential of CUR-SLN gel was checked against hyperpigmentation through the inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme. It was further evaluated for possible effects on ICD using BALB/c mice. The optimized CUR-SLN showed the particle size of 51 nm and 93% EE. Ex vivo permeation of CUR-SLN gel exhibited controlled drug release up to 24 h, similarly in vitro drug deposition studies showed potential for skin targeting. In vitro tyrosinase inhibition assay indicates that the formulated gel has potential in skin depigmentation. The gel also confirmed proficient suppression of ear swelling and reduction in skin water content in the BALB/c mouse. Thus, the CUR-SLN gel would be a safe and effective alternative to conventional vehicles for treatment of ICD and pigmentation.

Natural and Bioinspired Phenolic Compounds as Tyrosinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Skin Hyperpigmentation: Recent Advances

“…SLNs for encapsulation of curcumin and a synthetic inhibitor, (Z)-5-(2,4-dihydroxy benzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (MHY498), have also been described [244,245].…”

Improved uptake and therapeutic intervention of curcumin via designing binary lipid nanoparticulate formulation for oral delivery in inflammatory bowel disorder

“…Despite curcumin's therapeutic benefits, translation of doses for clinical application is unfeasible due to its poor bioavailability contributed by poor solubility (<1 mg/ml), slow dissolution rate, extensive intestinal and hepatic metabolic transformation along with its rapid elimination [11,12]. So far, literature reports development of various drug delivery systems like liposomes [13,14], cyclodextrin complexes [15], self-emulsifying system [16,17], biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles [18,19], solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) [20,21], nano-emulsion [22,23] for topical and parenteral delivery of curcumin in variety of therapeutic applications. However, curcumin formulations have conferred confined success via oral route.…”

Advanced development of a non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol material based niosomal gel formulation for the topical delivery of anti-acne drugs

“…The skin irritation potential of ADP-NM-G was investigated using the Draize patch test on rats. 29 The skin irritation potential of the developed ADP-NM-G was compared with those of the commercial gel and ADP-G. In the present study, three groups of rats (n = 6) were used to evaluate skin irritation.…”

“…Because of their small particle size, niosomes create closer contact with the apparent junctions of corneocyte groups and channels nearby between corneocyte surfaces and leads to accumulation for several hours. 29 Moreover, the high concentration of the ADP in the SC after the application of ADP-NM-G might be described by the occlusive effect, since ADP-NM-G forms a film on the skin surface that controls transepidermal water loss and favors drug penetration into the SC. 39 Therefore, we can conclude that the superior ADP retention in the skin is essentially attributed to the niosomal carriers, particle size and bioadhesive characteristics of ADP-NM-G. 29…”