Investigation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bauhinia purpurea L. Ethosome Suspension Gel Using Methanolic Leaf Extract: Optimizationvia Central Composite Design (CCD) and Evaluation In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo

Introduction: This study aimed to develop and optimize a Bauhinia purpurea L. leaf extract- based gel and evaluate its anti-inflammatory potential using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Methods: Significant anti-inflammatory activity was predicted by molecular docking studies against the target receptor (PDB ID: 4IKI), and in vitro and in vivo tests confirmed this prediction. A Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to optimize the formulation, with β-sitosterol and indomethacin as reference standards. The pharmacological appropriateness and safety of the active ingredients were verified by ADMET profiling. Results: The BPE 4 formulation was optimized using CCD, yielding the anticipated PDI and % EE values of 0.755 and 84.73, respectively. Desired formulation characteristics were demonstrated through thorough physicochemical characterization, including FTIR, zeta potential, particle size, SEM, entrapment efficiency, viscosity, spreadability, and pH measurements. Spectrophotometric measurements of the drug content were made at 279 nm. Within seven hours, the optimized gel showed an 84.43% drug release. Discussion: The formulation demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory action in formalininduced paw edema models, outperforming the crude extract. Histological analysis provided additional evidence of tissue healing and decreased inflammation. Conclusion: Compared with the extract, the Bauhinia purpurea gel showed improved overall antiinflammatory activity. Its potential as a safe and efficient topical treatment candidate is supported by the combined results of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico research.