Development and In-Vitro Characterization of Capsaicin Microsponges Loaded Topical Gels for Management of Arthritis

Arthritis is the one of the leading causes of disability among a large group of population. It is a slowly progressive disorder that effects the joints to a stage where they are not considerably functional and mobile. Counter Anti-inflammatory agents are among the first choice of treatments that leads to reduction in swelling, inflammation and pain primarily.

The current study was aimed to develop topical gels loaded with microsponges of Capsaicin. The prepared microsponges were intended to release drug in the controlled manner thus effectively managing the red flags of arthritis. Microsponges technology is recognized as a novel technology of drug delivery that provides enhanced action for longer duration. In this study Boswellia Serrata a natural resin is also incorporated with capsaicin to study the possible effects of the two when given in combination. Capsaicin was procured in the purest form by AOS Products Private Limited which was then used to prepare microsponges and were further incorporated in the form of topical gels using various concentrations of Boswellia Serrata.

This research focuses on the possible positive effects of Capsaicin in the form of microsponges to manage the conditions of arthritis. The prepared formulations were optimized and were evaluated on the basis of experimental outcomes. DPPH model was used to calculate the Anti- inflammatory effect of using Capsaicin loaded microsponges in combination with Boswellia Serrata resin.

The study concludes that for management of arthritis certain naturally available agents can show equivalent efficacy and results when compared to marketed available dosage forms. Moreover, the microsponge technology ensures controlled release that provides excellent therapeutic action for extended periods of time.