Formulation Development, Optimization, Characterization, and In-vitro Anti-inflammatory Evaluation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder marked by inflammation, progressive joint deterioration, substantial disability, systemic manifestations, and untimely death. Destructive synovitis is a major complication of rheumatoid arthritis, and oxidative stress is a key player in this process. Carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids are some of the non-nutritional antioxidants found in broccoli (BC) (Brassica oleracea), in addition to the nutritional antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. BC also contains a high concentration of polyphenols, a class of phytochemicals thought to have the diet's highest antioxidant value. By rapidly donating hydrogen atoms to free radicals, polyphenols limit lipid and other molecule oxidation; thus, they quench oxidative stress. This work presents the first description of a BC that improves the clinical outcomes of RA therapy by employing phytosomes enriched in phosphatidylcholine (PC). We effectively synthesized and comprehensively described several BC-PC phytosome compositions using the Box-Behnken design. These phytosomes were studied for factors such as PS, ZP, shape, Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and release kinetics. A transmission electron microscope was used to verify that the phytosome vesicles were round. Thermogel formulations were enhanced by adding the improved phytosome formulation after their characterization. In addition to its rheological behaviour, the tested phytosomal thermogel formulation was assessed for clarity, homogeneity, pH, and gel transformation temperature. The anti-inflammatory in vitro research was assessed. The ideal phytosomes loaded with BC-PC (F6) showed a high electrical conductivity, an Entrapment efficiency (EE) of 98.0±0.5 %, a spherical shape, a PS of 127.49±5.64 nm, a negative ZP value of (−18.0±2.06 mV), and a prolonged release profile for the bound pharmaceuticals. The anti-inflammatory effects were most pronounced in the BCPC phytosomal gel formulation when tested in vitro. An encouraging approach to RA relief is the BC-PC-loaded phytosomal gel.
DOI: 10.55766/sujst11677
Institutions: Galgotias University, AIMST University
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225077720