Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease predominantly appeared on the skin and joint. It occurs when immune system mistakes the skin cells such as a pathogen, and speed up the growth and division of skin cells,... [ view full abstract ]
Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease predominantly appeared on the skin and joint. It occurs when immune system mistakes the skin cells such as a pathogen, and speed up the growth and division of skin cells, resulting in a well-defined erythematous together with red and white hues of scaly patches appearing on the top layer of the epidermis.
Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the drug choices for the treatment of psoriasis. It can be administered through oral and/or parenteral routes. However, various side effects can occur when administered over a long period. To reduce the adverse side effects, the topical application of MTX is preferred.
The objective of this study was to develop novel MTX ultra-permeable niosomes; containing edge activator; Cremophor RH 40 and a stabilizer; Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) in order to achieve optimum concentrations in the skin tissues for extended periods of time.
Methods: MTX ultra-permeable niosomes were prepared using ethanol injection method. Box behnken design was used for planning and analysis of the experimental trials to select the optimized formulation using Design-Expert® software. MTX ultra-permeable niosomes were formulated and the influence of three variables, namely; % of Cremophor RH 40, % of stabilizer (PVA) and sonication time, was studied.
Results and discussion: MTX ultra-permeable niosomes possessed small particle size and high entrapment efficiency in comparison with conventional niosomes. In addition, the systems showed higher stability for a longer duration of time confirmed by homogenous physical appearance and high zeta potential values. The best selected formula contained Cremophor RH 40 (14.95%), PVA (4.29%) and was not subjected to sonication procedure (zero sonication time).
