Nanogels are nano-sized hydrogel systems that combine the advantages of nanoparticles and hydrogels, offering improved drug loading, controlled release, and enhanced skin permeation. Achyranthes aspera Linn. is a well-known medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, attributed to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a topical herbal nanogel using Achyranthes aspera leaf extract for anti-inflammatory activity. The leaves were collected, dried, and extracted using suitable solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to identify the presence of major secondary metabolites. The herbal nanogel was formulated using appropriate polymers and excipients and evaluated for physicochemical parameters including appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, particle size, drug content, and in-vitro drug diffusion. The optimized nanogel formulation showed acceptable pH, good spreadability, uniform drug content, nano-sized particle distribution, and satisfactory stability. The anti-inflammatory activity of the formulation demonstrated significant therapeutic potential when compared with conventional formulations. The results indicate that Achyranthes aspera-loaded nanogel is a safe, effective, and promising topical drug delivery system for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, offering enhanced efficacy and improved patient compliance.
Nandhini S.1*, Sakthival M.2, Mohamed Halith S.3, Rajkumar S.4, Ramkumar R.4, Reshina Parveen A.4, Sadhana S.4, Saki R.4 (Sun,) studied this question.