Andrographolide and Mahua Oil-Infused Emulgels: A Comprehensive QbD, In Vitro, and In Silico Strategy for Skin...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Skin pigmentation disorders like melasma and hyperpigmentation stem from excessive melanin production.
• Current treatments often have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel emulgel formulation combining andrographolide and Mahua oil for skin lightening.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the optimized formulation for managing hyperpigmentation.

Main Methods:

• A Quality by Design (QbD) approach with a two-factor factorial design was used for formulation optimization.
• The optimized emulgel (AG-6) underwent characterization, biocompatibility testing (human dermal fibroblast viability), in vivo skin uptake, and tyrosinase inhibition assays.
• Molecular docking studies were performed to assess the binding affinity of andrographolide with tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYR1).

Main Results:

• The optimized emulgel AG-6 demonstrated low cytotoxicity, with 92.64% human dermal fibroblast viability after 24 hours.
• AG-6 exhibited significant tyrosinase inhibition (28.94 µg/mL), comparable to Kojic acid (25.37 µg/mL).
• Molecular docking revealed a stronger binding affinity of andrographolide to TYR1 (-7.9 kcal/mol) than Kojic acid (-5.6 kcal/mol).

Conclusions:

• The optimized andrographolide-Mahua oil emulgel (AG-6) is a promising candidate for treating skin pigmentation disorders.
• The formulation's biocompatibility and potent tyrosinase inhibition support its potential therapeutic application.
• Synergistic effects of andrographolide and Mahua oil contribute to the formulation's efficacy in managing hyperpigmentation.