Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVOLUTION OF LORNOXICAM LOADED ETHOSOMAL GEL WITH HERBAL PERMEATION ENHANCER

Mr. Jayesh D. Gavhane*, Mr. Vishal S. Madankar, Dr. Sampat D. Navale³

Abstract

Conventional topical NSAIDs suffer from poor penetration through the stratum corneum, which limits their therapeutic effectiveness in localized inflammatory conditions, whereas oral administration is associated with significant gastrointestinal toxicity. Ethosomal nanocarriers improve transdermal delivery by enhancing vesicle flexibility through ethanol, but their reliance on sonication hinders use in resource‑limited teaching laboratories. The present study developed a lornoxicam‑loaded ethosomal gel using high‑shear homogenization as a validated alternative to sonication, and systematically incorporated ginger oleoresin as a biocompatible penetration enhancer to optimize the management of arthritis. Ethosomes composed of soya lecithin and ethanol were prepared using the cold injection method, followed by size optimization through homogenization, and then incorporated into an aqueous gel matrix based on Carbopol 940. The formulation was comprehensively characterized for its physicochemical properties, vesicular characteristics, drug release kinetics using a modified Franz diffusion cell, ex vivo permeation across porcine skin, and accelerated stability profile. High‑shear homogenization produced vesicle characteristics and biopharmaceutical performance similar to those achieved with sonication, while ginger oleoresin synergistically enhanced dermal drug retention without causing irritation. This cost‑effective formulation platform provides an accessible method for transdermal NSAID delivery that is well suited for educational laboratory environments and holds potential for clinical application in dermatological and rheumatological conditions.

Keywords: Lornoxicam, Ethosomal gel, Topical drug delivery, Transdermal delivery, NSAIDs, Skin permeation, Rheological properties.