1*Research Scholar, Faculty of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore
2University Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore (MP), India. ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7512-4564
3Oriental College of Pharmacy and Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore (MP), India. ORCID ID: 0000-0003-0785-0211
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and immune dysregulation, requiring effective localized therapy with minimal systemic exposure. Although Aloe emodin shows promising antipsoriatic potential, its clinical utility is limited by poor stability, oxidation sensitivity, skin irritation, and reduced patient compliance. This study aimed to develop a novel Aloe emodin-loaded proniosomal gel to improve stability, enhance targeted skin delivery, and achieve controlled topical release. The proniosomal gel formulation was prepared by the coacervation phase separation method using non-ionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 60), cholesterol, and lecithin, and incorporated into a Carbopol gel base. Comprehensive evaluation included physicochemical characterization, vesicle analysis, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and in vivo antipsoriatic assessment. The optimized formulation (AEPG7) demonstrated high drug entrapment efficiency (83.93%), appropriate viscosity, skin-compatible pH, and good spreadability. Vesicle size (~540 nm), low polydispersity index, and negative zeta potential confirmed a stable and uniform vesicular system. Sustained drug release was observed for 24 hours. Ex vivo studies revealed minimal systemic permeation with enhanced drug retention in epidermal and dermal layers, supporting localized therapy. Safety studies showed negligible hemolysis and good compatibility with normal L929 fibroblasts, along with increased cytotoxicity toward hyperproliferative HaCaT keratinocytes. In the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model, AEPG7 significantly reduced PASI scores, decreased dermal inflammation, and restored normal skin and spleen histology. Overall, the developed proniosomal gel represents a stable, safe, and effective topical delivery system with strong potential for psoriasis management.
Keywords: Aloe emodin, Proniosomal Gel, Topical Delivery, Psoriasis, Vesicular Drug Delivery, Skin Permeation, Controlled Release
How to cite this article: Chavan SS, Vengurlekar S, Jain SK. Formulation Development and Characterization of Aloe Emodin Proniosomal Gel for Topical Treatment of Psoriasis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2): 160-168; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.19
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None