Basil Oil-Based Nanoemulgel for Enhanced Delivery of Acetyl Keto Boswellic Acid: Formulation, Characterization, and Bioactivity Assessment

Acetyl Keto Boswellic Acid (AKBA) has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-arthritic activities. But due to its poor skin permeability, prone to oxidation, and has low bioavailability, which restricts its topical administration. The present study focuses on the formulation and characterization of a nanogel incorporating AKBA and basil oil, aimed at enhancing its therapeutic efficacy for topical anti-inflammatory applications. AKBA, a potent anti-inflammatory phytoconstituent, was integrated into a nanogel matrix with basil oil serving both as a penetration enhancer and a complementary anti-inflammatory agent. The nanogel was formulated using a high-energy emulsification method and characterized for physicochemical properties including particle size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained drug release profile, i.e., 84.69% of the drug released in 24 hours. Also, the AKBA NEGS showed good skin permeability, i.e., 45.44% of the drug permeated through the skin in 24 hours. In case of anti-oxidant activity, the AKBA NEGs showed good anti-oxidant activity as compared to the standard Ascorbic acid. However, AKBA NEGS showed a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, AKBA NEGs promised good pharmaceutical activities as compared to the standard in topical administration.