Nyctanthes arbor tristis Fruit Emulgel: Formulation, Evaluation, and Potential for Osteoarthritis Management

Abstract: Osteoarthritis is a common and debilitating degenerative joint disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Managing osteoarthritis remains a challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel and effective therapeutic approaches. In recent years, natural products derived from medicinal plants have gained significant attention for their potential as alternative treatments due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The Emulgel formulations are prepared with Carbopol 940, Carbopol 934, and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) as gelling agents to impart stability and controlled drug release characteristics. The physicochemical evaluations  ensure the Emulgels possess optimal properties, including appropriate pH, suitable viscosity, and spreadability. These properties are essential for enhancing skin compatibility, easy application, and uniform coverage of the affected area. In vitro drug release studies provide insights into the drug release behavior of the formulations. The results demonstrate sustained drug release patterns over an 8-hour period, indicating controlled and extended drug delivery. This sustained release has the potential to provide prolonged therapeutic effects, reducing the frequency of application and enhancing patient compliance. The promising results obtained from this study indicate that the formulated Emulgels containing Nyctanthes arbor tristis fruit extract hold great potential as topical treatments for osteoarthritis.