Evaluating some Essential Oils-Based and Coconut Oil Nanoemulgels for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Essential oil-based and coconut oil nanoemulgels were formulated, and their anti-arthritic effect was evaluated. Nanoemulsions of lemon, ginger, turmeric, and coconut oil were formed by spontaneous emulsification. Nanoemulgels were obtained using 1 % of carboxymethylcellulose and carbopol. Characterizations included pH, transmittance, viscosity, conductivity, spreadability, and droplet size. Stability studies were performed. Arthritis was induced in Wister rats by injecting 0.1 ml formaldehyde (2 % v/v) into the sub plantar region. Paw volumes and thickness were measured for 28 days. Particles were nanosized with polydispersity indices ranging from 0.21 to 0.75. Formulations had pH of 4.96 to 6.81. Transmittances ranged from 0.02 to 95.6 %. Viscosities ranged from 308.3 to 1807 mPaS. Nanoemulgels were more stable at 25 ± 2 ºC. Anti-arthritic evaluations showed that ginger and lemon nanoemulgels exhibited higher and similar percentage inhibition patterns from days 7 to 28. Only ginger nanoemulgel reached basal paw values on day 28. Analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) in results obtained on day 7 between Voltaren® and the lemon, turmeric, and coconut groups, while on day 21, there were also significant differences (p<0.05) between the Voltaren® group and the ginger and coconut groups. Ginger nanoemulgel was most effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.