Formulation and development of topical iron oxide nanoemulgel using Punica granatum extract and in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is regarded as a long-term autoimmune disorder, which triggers inflammation in joints and distresses the organs in the body. Nanotechnology, a science-based technique is a tremendously growing-field with numerous applications where nanoparticles are used to resolve the complications in the habitual life. While comparing to other metals, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 2 O 3 NPs) were synthesized at minimal cost using eco-friendly natured materials and also has ability to deliver drug at a specific targeted site. In the present study, a topical nanoemulgel was formulated using Fe 2 O 3 NPs synthesized from Punica granatum. The results of Fe 2 O 3 NPs characterization divulged that the particles were sphere-shaped in nature and the bioactive compounds from the extract acted as capping and reducing agents. Nanoemulgels (F1 to F5) were formulated using different concentrations of Fe 2 O 3 NPs and characterized. Among the formulations F4 nanoemulgel revealed good stability with a zeta potential charge of −53 mV and a polydispersity index of 0.24. L929 cells were treated with F4 formulation and this confirmed that the formulation was non-toxic to normal cells. F4 treated MG63 cell lines revealed the anti-inflammatory property (IC 50 = 90.77 μg/ml) of the nanoemulgel. Thus, nanoemulgel containing Fe 2 O 3 NPs synthesized from P. granatum can be an effective, eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to treat RA.