Formulation and Evaluation of Hydrocortisone Acetate Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) in Hydrogel for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Purpose: To formulate and evaluate Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) Hydrocortisone- Acetate (HA) loaded in hydrogel for the treatment of Psoriasis for ease of application and to evaluate its anti-psoriatic efficacy vis-a-vis conventional ointment formulation. This study will provide an insight about the use of nanocarriers, especially NLCs loaded with HA for the effective treatment of psoriasis. Methods: HA-coloaded NLCs were developed using the microemulsion technique, and Design Expert® version 13 multi-level factorial method was used to optimize it and characterized for particle size, zeta potential and percentage entrapment efficiency. The optimized NLCs were loaded into gel and evaluated for drug release, spread ability, rheological behaviour, and drug content. Results: NLCs were prepared with particle size below 100 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) below 0.403 and percentage entrapment efficiency of 94%. The invitro release research validated the nano formulation's sustained release pattern. The concentration of NLCs in the formulation was higher than in the raw gel, confirming the presence of NLCs in the deeper dermal layers. The prepared NLC gel was then compared with the ointment for drug release, staining property, and efficacy. Topical application of dithranol-loaded NLC gel. Conclusions: To conclude HA-loaded NLCs in hydrogel base was showing better properties in management of psoriasis at the same drug concentration and offer less cloth staining to that of the ointment product.