Enhanced Anti‐Psoriasis Efficacy of Curcumin via Optimized Nanostructured Lipid Carrier‐Embedded Nanogel System

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder in which existing topical and systemic therapies are often limited by adverse effects and poor patient compliance. This study aimed to develop a curcumin‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticle CUR‐SLN (curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles) loaded nanogel to enhance topical delivery and therapeutic efficacy. CUR‐SLNs were prepared using a solvent diffusion method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and morphology. The optimized nanoparticles (133.90 ± 2.45 nm; PDI 0.325 ± 0.21; entrapment efficiency 89.50% ± 4.52%) were incorporated into a Carbopol‐based gel to formulate the CUR‐SLN nanogel. The nanogel was evaluated for appearance, viscosity, pH, and texture profile, along with in vitro drug release, ex vivo skin permeation, drug retention, and stability. Compared with a conventional curcumin gel, the CUR‐SLN‐loaded nanogel demonstrated sustained drug release over 48 h and significantly enhanced skin permeation and retention. In vivo studies in a psoriasis‐induced mouse model showed a marked reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and significant downregulation of key pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interferon‐α [IFN‐α], IL‐23, interleukin‐17 [IL‐17], tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]) ( p < 0.001). Histological evaluation further confirmed restoration of normal skin structure in treated animals. Overall, the CUR‐SLN‐loaded nanogel represents a promising and safer topical therapeutic strategy for psoriasis, supporting its potential for further clinical development.