Liquid crystalline nanoreservoir releasing a highly skin-penetrating berberine oleate complex for psoriasis management

Aim: The current work highlighted preparation of highly penetrating liquid crystalline nanoparticulates (LCNPs) reservoir of a solubility modified berberine oleate (Brb-OL) complex for effective psoriasis management. Materials & methods: Brb-OL-loaded LCNPs (Brb-OL-LCNPs) were prepared using hydrotrope method. Results: The proposed Brb-OL-LCNPs showed a particle size of 137 ± 3.7 nm and negative ζ-potential (-38 ± -5.85 mV). Brb-OL-LCNPs showed a threefold increase in the drug accumulated within rat skin and around tenfold increase in the drug permeation compared with crude Brb. In vivo studies revealed that topical application of Brb-OL-LCNPs hydrogel significantly alleviated psoriasis symptoms and reduced the levels of psoriatic inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Formulating Brb-OL in the LCNPs controlled the release, retention and permeation of the drug across skin layers, which are of prime importance for psoriasis management.