IMPACT OF CARBOPOL-LOADED CURCUMIN NANOEMULSION ON PSORIASIS: INVESTIGATING TREATMENT EFFICACY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN AN ANIMAL MODEL

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the medicinal and therapeutic advantages of a locally used herbal preparation for psoriasis management. It specifically assessed the efficacy of curcumin-based nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels in a rat model of psoriasis produced by complete Freund’s adjuvant and formaldehyde. The formulations were tested against the conventional corticosteroid treatment, triamcinolone acetonide. Methods: Thirty albino Wistar rats were placed into five groups: Control, placebo, standard, F1 (CURNE 5%), and F2 (CURNE 10%). The psoriasis area and severity index were used to determine the severity of erythema, scaling, and skin thickness. To compare the treatment effects, histopathological investigation was performed, followed by statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The study found substantial disparities in treatment efficacy. The 10% F2 formulation (Carbopol-loaded curcumin nanoemulsion) significantly improved skin health (p<0.0001). When used as an ointment, both the 5% F1 and 10% F2 formulations had positive outcomes, but they did not outperform the usual corticosteroid therapy. Histopathological study revealed that the F2 10% formulation resulted in normal epidermal thickness, decreased mitotic activity, and a less nucleated stratum corneum. Conclusion: Curcumin-based nanoemulsions, particularly the 10% F2 formulation, show promise in dermatological treatment for psoriasis control. The findings underline the need of continuing to enhance drug delivery technologies, particularly nanoemulsions, to improve psoriasis therapy choices.