FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF DIOSMIN-LOADED NIOSOMAL GEL FOR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2026v18i8.57385Keywords:
Diosmin, Niosomal gel, Thin-film hydration, Sustained release, Anti-inflammatory activityAbstract
Objective
The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a diosmin-loaded niosomal gel for enhanced topical anti-inflammatory activity.
Methods
Diosmin, a natural flavonoid with poor solubility and limited bioavailability, was encapsulated into non-ionic surfactant-based niosomes using the thin-film hydration method.Various formulations (DF1–DF10) were developed by varying the concentrations of Span 60 and cholesterol to optimise vesicle characteristics (Entrapment efficiency, particle size, in vitro drug release, zeta potential) .
Results
The optimised formulation (DF10) exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 86.85±0.06%, a particle size of 292.5 ±0.7nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.403±0.23, and a zeta potential of –24.7 mV± 0.13, indicating stable, uniform vesicles. SEM analysis confirmed spherical morphology with smooth surfaces. In vitro release studies showed sustained drug release of 96.34± 0.15% over 24 hours. The optimized niosomal dispersion was incorporated into a Carbopol 934 gel base, neutralised with triethanolamine to form a clear, stable niosomal gel. The prepared gel exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, including a pH of 6.3±1.04, viscosity of 36,000 ±1.04 cP, spreadability of 20.4 g·cm/sec, and drug content of 98.5±1.02%. In vitro diffusion studies demonstrated controlled, prolonged release (95.34±0.15 % at 24 hours), following zero-order kinetics with a non-Fickian mechanism, suggesting a combination of diffusion and polymer relaxation.
Conclusion
The developed diosmin-loaded niosomal gel showed potential for sustained drug delivery, improved skin permeation, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy for topical anti-inflammatory treatment.
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