Ethosomal Gel-Based Topical Delivery of Albendazole Hydrochloride for Psoriasis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

This study aimed to develop an albendazole hydrochloride (ALB)-loaded ethosomal gel for topical psoriasis treatment. ALB-loaded ethosomes were prepared and characterized to select the optimal formulation, which was subsequently incorporated into an HPMC-based hydrogel. The ethosomal gel was evaluated through physicochemical, in vitro and in vivo studies. The optimized ethosomal formulation prepared by the film hydration method exhibited a mean vesicle size of 490.00 ± 0.14 nm, polydispersity index of 0.31 ± 0.14, zeta potential of -22.85 ± 2.28 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 23.90 ± 1.43%. After incorporation into the hydrogel matrix, the Gel4-E3/ALB formulation demonstrated appropriate mechanical properties (hardness 8.42 ± 0.70 mN, adhesiveness - 16.85 ± 1.50 mN·s, elasticity 0.89 ± 0.07, cohesiveness 1.14 ± 0.09) and shear-thinning behavior, ensuring ease of application and skin retention. A controlled release pattern was observed, consistent with the controlled-release behavior expected from ethosomal hydrogel systems. Radiolabeling studies demonstrated high labeling efficiency (> 95%). In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation indicated that the optimized ethosomal gel formulation was non-toxic. In vivo studies performed in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mouse model revealed significant therapeutic improvement in the Gel4-E3/ALB-treated group compared with the IMQ control, with visible reduction in erythema, scaling, and skin thickening after the fifth day of treatment. Hematological analysis showed no adverse effects associated with the formulation. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the reduction in epidermal hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration in the treated group. The developed ALB-loaded ethosomal gel represents a safe and promising topical therapeutic system for psoriasis management.