DITHRANOL LOADED NANOCRYSTAL GEL: A PRIMARY INVESTIGATION OF FORMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2026v18i4.55117Keywords:
Dithranol, Nanocrystal, Pre-formulation Studies, PsoriasisAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a Dithranol-incorporating nanocrystal hydrogel to address the long-standing issues of poor solubility, stability, and skin permeability to ascertain its therapeutic potential as a topical treatment for the skin disorder psoriasis. The solvent-antisolvent precipitation method was used as a route for the preparation of dithranol nanocrystals stabilised with Poloxamer 188.
Methods: The formulation was characterised using dynamic light scattering to evaluate the particle size, PDI, and zeta potential. FT-IR spectroscopy assessed drug–excipient compatibility. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantifying drug content was determination, and in vitro release was studied by using a Franz diffusion cell.
Results: Therefore, characterisation studies for the formulation that best stabilised them mixture revealed a particle size range from 110 to 115.4 nm, PDI ranges from 0.251 to 0.312, and zeta potential ranges from -25.2 to -32.9 mV. However, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed that there was no significant interaction between dithranol and Poloxamer 188; however, differential scanning calorimetry indicated a lowered crystallinity and, therefore, enhanced dissolution. A retention time of 5.32 minutes was established through HPLC analysis to ensure the integrity of the drug. The F3 formulation was found to have the highest cumulative drug release of 22.75% over 5 hours, which was significantly higher than that of the other formulations.
Conclusion: Therefore, dithranol nanocrystal hydrogel is a competent topical psoriasis formulation with improved solubility, controlled release and better skin compatibility.
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