Development and Evaluation of a Novel Topical Formulation of Karanjin for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

Abstract

vi newlineAbstract newlineOil from Pongamia pinnata seeds has been used traditionally to treat different types of skin disorders. This seed oil is enriched with Karanjin that has been reported to have insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant potential. Reports from docking study suggested that Karanjin can interact with the inflammatory cytokines associated with the development and proliferation of psoriasis. Thus, the study was designed to investigate the acaricidal potential of Karanjin against Sarcoptes scabiei Var. Hominis and anti-psoriatic activity in mouse tail model. Karanjin isolation was carried out in methanol using liquid-liquid extraction technique. The isolate was purified using column chromatography and the final yield was calculated to be 0.1% w/v from the seed oil. The isolate was identified as Karanjin using sophisticated techniques such as FTIR, NMR, MS and HPLC. Karanjin (500 mg) was subjected to skin irritation assessment and was found to be non-irritant to skin. The isolated Karanjin was evaluated for its scabicidal activity against human scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis) in comparison with standard permethrin. Karanjin 5% w/v was found to be more effective in inhibiting human scabies mite migration than standard permethrin. The Karanjin was loaded into liposomes optimized using Box-Behnken design. The optimized Karanjin loaded liposomes showed high entrapment efficiency, high skin retention and low average vesicle size. Karanjin loaded liposomes were formulated into lotion and evaluated for flow properties and spreadability. The Karanjin loaded liposomal lotion showed shear thinning behaviour, low viscosity and optimal spreadability. The Karanjin lotion formulation was applied topically to evaluate anti-psoriatic potential. It was observed that Karanjin loaded liposomal lotion 5% w/v had higher drug activity than plain Karanjin lotion formulation 5% w/v. newlineKeywords: Box-Behnken; Karanjin; acaricidal; liposomal lotion; skin irritation; psoriasis; scabies. newline