Development and optimization of Guggul extract loaded ultra-deformable vesicles using central composite design for improving anti-oxidant potential

After almost 30 years of study, it is a scientific fact that inflammation is the root cause of arthritis. Guggul has a beneficial role in arthritis because of its ability to neutralize the NF-kappa factor. A topical drug delivery system is beneficial to overcome the problems associated with oral drug delivery and offers several potential advantages. Ultra-deformable vesicles (UDVs) are a special type of liposome made up of phospholipids and surfactants, and they are highly flexible.Guggul has a beneficial role in arthritis because of its ability to neutralize the NF-kappa factor. A topical drug delivery system is beneficial to overcome the problems associated with oral drug delivery and offers several potential advantages. Ultra-deformable vesicles (UDVs) are a special type of liposome made up of phospholipids and surfactants, and they are highly flexible. In the present investigation, 20 formulations were suggested by Design Expert® 10 software (Central Composite Design) which were prepared using film hydration method with lecithin (70-90 mg), tween 80 (10–30 mg), Guggul extract (3 mg) and sonicated for 5–15 minutes. The formulation was optimized based on particle size (R₁) and maximum entrapment efficiency (R2). The optimized formulation consists of 78.92 mg soya phosphatidyl choline (lecithin), 22.08 mg Tween 80, and 3 mg Guggul with a sonication time of 12.74 minutes that resulted in a particle size of 375.5 ±15.1 nm and entrapment efficiency of 80.3 ± 3.1%. Guggul UDVs showed more antioxidant activity compared to Guggul extract, control and standard. The same results were obtained in the case of anti-arthritic activity, which was measured by egg albumin denaturation, bovine serum albumin denaturation, proteinase inhibitory action, and anti-lipoxygenase activity. The data of both activities were analyzed using an unpaired t-test to determine significant values (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate the potential of UDVs in the treatment of all arthritis diseases.