Formulation and development of topical iron oxide nanoemulgel using Punica granatum extract and in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is regarded as a long-term autoimmune disorder, which triggers inflammation in joints and distresses the organs in the body. Nanotechnology, a science-based technique is a tremendously growing-field with numerous applications where nanoparticles are used to resolve the complications in the habitual life. While comparing to other metals, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) were synthesized at minimal cost using eco-friendly natured materials and also has ability to deliver drug at a specific targeted site. In the present study, a topical nanoemulgel was formulated using Fe2O3 NPs synthesized from Punica granatum. The results of Fe2O3 NPs characterization divulged that the particles were sphere-shaped in nature and the bioactive compounds from the extract acted as capping and reducing agents. Nanoemulgels (F1 to F5) were formulated using different concentrations of Fe2O3 NPs and characterized. Among the formulations F4 nanoemulgel revealed good stability with a zeta potential charge of −53 mV and a polydispersity index of 0.24. L929 cells were treated with F4 formulation and this confirmed that the formulation was non-toxic to normal cells. F4 treated MG63 cell lines revealed the anti-inflammatory property (IC50 = 90.77 μg/ml) of the nanoemulgel. Thus, nanoemulgel containing Fe2O3 NPs synthesized from P. granatum can be an effective, eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to treat RA.