Abstract
A low dose proniosomal gel containing celecoxib was developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis. All the prepared formulations were subjected to physicochemical evaluations and anti-inflammatory studies. The entrapment was > 90%. The vesicle shape was determined with the help of transmission electron microscopy. The vesicle size, size-distribution, and polydispersity studies were performed using photon correlation spectroscopy. Anti-inflammatory studies were performed using the rat hind-paw oedema induced by carrageenan (1% w/v). The selected proniosomal gel (N1LE3) produced 100% inhibition of paw oedema in rats up to 8 h after carrageenan injection. It produced 95% and 92% inhibition after 12 h and 24 h, respectively. These results indicate that proniosomes are a promising carrier for the transdermal delivery of celecoxib. Thus celecoxib can be formulated into a low dose proniosomal gel that can save the recipient from the adverse effects of large doses.