Research paper description Dr. MRB May  2021
                     Research paper of Dr. Mangesh Bhalekar for the month of May 2021
Title: Formulation of piperine solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for treatment of
          rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: Mangesh R. Bhalekar, Ashwini R. Madgulkar, Puja S. Desale and Gyce Marium
Journal Details: DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY,  (2017), 43:6, 
1003-1010,.
Publisher:  Taylor & Francis.
Description: This work describes formulation of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) of piperine to
exploit  its  efficacy  orally  and  topically.  Piperine  SLN  formulations  prepared  by  melt
emulsification  method  were  optimized  by  the  application  of  32  factorial  design.
The nanoparticulate dispersion was evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency and zeta
potential (ZP). 
The optimized batch had average size of 128.80 nm, entrapment efficiency of 78.71% and zeta
potential 23.34 mV). Further characterization was done by differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC), X-ray diffraction which revealed piperine was present in SLN as amorphous form. 
The SLN were administered orally and topically to CFA-induced arthritic rats. Ex vivo study
using Franz diffusion cell indicate that piperine from SLN gel formulation accumulates in the
skin.  Pharmacodynamic  study  result  indicates  both  the  topical  and  oral  piperine  evoked  a
significant response as compared to orally administered chloroquine suspension. The results of
ELISA show significant reduction in TNFa in treated rat which mightbe the reason behind the
DMARD action of piperine SLN.
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