Comparative in vitro and in vivo evaluations of niosomal gel vs. conventional gel preparations for the treatment of psoriasis

Megha Shyam Matlapudi; Anka Rao Areti; Yukti Jaiswal; Veeresh Bantal

doi:10.56782/pps.582

Published : 2025-10-12

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2026)

Comparative in vitro and in vivo evaluations of niosomal gel vs. conventional gel preparations for the treatment of psoriasis

Megha Shyam Matlapudi

Anka Rao Areti

Yukti Jaiswal

Veeresh Bantal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.582

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and immune dysregulation. While corticosteroids like Desonide are commonly used to alleviate symptoms, their limited skin permeability and potential systemic side effects restrict long-term use. This study aimed to develop and compare a novel niosomal gel formulation of Desonide (DG6) with a conventional Desonide gel (DG8), assessing their physicochemical properties, skin permeation, drug release behavior, and therapeutic efficacy in an imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. DES-loaded niosomes were prepared via the thin-film hydration technique and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and morphology. Niosomes were incorporated into a carbomer-based gel to create DG6. Comparative evaluations of DG6 and DG8 were conducted using rheology studies, in vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation, and in vivo efficacy assessments, including PASI scoring, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), spleen index, and histopathological analyses. DG6 exhibited controlled and sustained drug release, higher skin deposition (192.3 ± 55.1 µg vs. 140.9 ± 51.7 µg for DG8), and significantly lower PASI scores in vivo (3.8 ± 1.0 vs. 6.4 ± 1.1). Histological evaluations showed notable restoration of normal skin architecture with DG6 treatment, with reduced epidermal hyperplasia, parakeratosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Rheological studies confirmed favorable spreadability and mechanical strength comparable to a marketed formulation. The niosomal gel formulation demonstrated superior skin localization, therapeutic efficacy, and barrier restoration over the conventional gel. These findings underscore the potential of niosomal systems in enhancing topical corticosteroid therapy for psoriasis.

Keywords:

Desonide Niosomal Gel, Psoriasis, Skin Permeation, In vivo assessment

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Matlapudi, M. S., Areti, A. R., Jaiswal, Y., & Bantal, V. (2025). Comparative in vitro and in vivo evaluations of niosomal gel vs. conventional gel preparations for the treatment of psoriasis. Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 24(2), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.582

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Megha Shyam Matlapudi

meghashyam.3@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4309-9454

Affiliation:

Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation India

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Research Scholar at KL University, Koneru Lakshmaiah Eucational Foundation.

Anka Rao Areti

ankarao@kluniversity.in

Affiliation:

Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation India

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Associate Professor and Vice Principal of KL College of Pharmacy, KL UNiversity (Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation)

Yukti Jaiswal

yukti.jaiswal2@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6555-8523

Affiliation:

G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy India

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Research scholar in the Department of Pharmacology at G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy

Veeresh Bantal

veereshsetty@gmail.com

Affiliation:

G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy India

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Head of the Department - Department of Pharmacology at G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy