Formulation and optimization of novel dexibuprofen- Aloe vera deformable emulgels for enhanced anti-inflammatory activity

Dexibuprofen (DIBU) has been used to treat inflammation and pain caused by a range of illnesses, including arthritis. Its efficacy, however, is substantially hampered by gastric and CNS effects on its oral administration. Hence, present study is working on development of a unique topical emulgel formulation that maximises its anti-inflammatory efficacy in order to avoid its oral dosing. To begin, DIBU formulation was optimised and incorporated into Aloe vera gel base to develop Dexibuprofen Aloe vera emulgel (DAE). Following that, the anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in Wister rats as an experimental animal. Light liquid paraffin (LLP), Span 20, and Tween 20 were used to produce DIBU emulsions. Using a statistical optimization technique, central composite design, the emulsion formulation was optimised for desirable globule size and zeta potential. The physico-chemical characterization studies showed that DAEs are transparent with good homogeneity and spreadability without phase separation. Rheological studies revealed that, DAEs are non-newtonian systems with shear thinning behaviour (viscosity 98768 ± 78 to 109574 ± 54 cP). They also demonstrated remarkable bio-adhesive strength (6.4 ± 1.2 to 6.8 ± 2.2 kg/cm2) without any signs of skin irritation. Drug diffusion follows zero order kinetics with non-fickain diffusion mechanism. The pharmacodynamic testing found that the optimised DAE2 reduced paw volume by 96.5 ± 3.4% and 94.18 ± 2.8% in carrageenan and egg albumin produced edoema techniques, respectively. The findings revealed that newly created DAEs can be used as prospective topical delivery systems for DIBU to augment its anti-inflammatory impact in lieu of oral tablets for the treatment of rheumatic illnesses such as arthritis.