Optimization of capsaicin microemulgel: a comprehensive in vitro evaluation and pseudo ternary diagram

Aim of the current study was to prepare and estimate capsaicin loaded microemulgel (CaP-ME) for the treatment of inflammation. The preparation of CaP-ME was based on the pseudo ternary phase diagram by the phase titration method using various oils such as clove oil, cinnamon oil, turpent oil. To the CaP-ME, different combination of gelling agents was incorporated. CaP-ME was prepared by incorporating different gelling agent such as aerosil and chitosan in to a CaP-MEs. Various preparations were assessed for pH, physical appearance, spreadability, in vitro release and particle size (PS), etc. The results obtained from the preparation of CaP-ME exhibited globule size of 31.6 ± 1.11 nm, polydisperse index (0.441 ± 0.02), % transmittance, and drug content (95.5 ± 8.16%) were within in the range. From the performed pseudo ternary phase diagrams using various oils, 3 pseudo ternary phase diagram was selected based on the area of ME for the further formulation of MEs. Three MEs (F1, F2, F3) were prepared and the F3 shown the better results in all the parameters. The chitosan (G1)-based CaP-ME (F3) gel had a good transparency, better spreadability, extrudability, pH and in vitro release (94.76 ± 5.09%). Hence, it was concluded that turpentine oil is the best oil phase for the preparation of CaP-MEs when compared with other oils like clove oil and cinnamon oil and chitosan-based gel exhibits their efficient topical delivery.