Novel Formulation Approaches used for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Recent Review

Background: The osteoarthritis (OA) causes economic, social, and health difficulties to the patients. Approximately 10% to 15% of all persons above the age of 60 have some degree of OA. OA is more common in women than in males. Diagnosed OA prevalence varies widely among EU member states, from 2.8% in Romania to 18.3% in Hungary. Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slow-progressing, non-inflammatory disorder. This disorder ultimately destroys articular cartilage and other joint components. The main symptoms are stiffness, pain, loss of flexibility, swelling, and bone spurs. Many risk factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable, have been associated with osteoarthritis (OA), including obesity and lack of exercise, genetic susceptibility, bone density, work-related damage, and trauma. Method: Hydrogels, micro and nano-sized particles, and novel topical gels are among the most common examples. Hydrogels are cross-linked polymers with 3-D architecture that can hold water and expand like living tissue. The Micro-carriers, and nano-based drug delivery systems provide several advantages and may demonstrate prolonged release, controlled release, and higher joint half-life. Result: OA-induced male Lewis rats were injected with celecoxib-loaded PEA microspheres to assess in vivo biocompatibility and degradation. According to the findings of this research, PEA microspheres loaded with celecoxib may be employed as safe delivery of drug with self-regulating behavior for the pain treatment related to knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion: The concept of novel drug delivery systems has shown tangible benefits as a new avenue for precise, safe, and high-quality drug delivery for OA treatment. Currently, herbal drugs are also used in osteoarthritis treatment due to their potency and fewer side effects in contrast to synthetic drugs. The herbo-synthetic approach is a new concept for the delivery of both herbal and synthetic drugs together to exploit their individual beneficial effects while reducing undesirable side effects.