Hydrogel containing silibinin-loaded pomegranate oil based nanocapsules exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on skin damage UVB radiation-induced in mice

The present study shows the development of a topical formulation (hydrogel) containing silibinin-loaded pomegranate oil based nanocapsules suspension and its evaluation as an alternative for the treatment of cutaneous UVB radiation-induced damages. For this, an animal model of skin injury induced by UVB radiation was employed. Gellan gum was used as gel forming agent by its direct addition to nanocapsules suspension. The hydrogels showed adequate pH values (5.6–5.9) and a silibinin content close to the theoretical value (1mg/g). Through vertical Franz diffusion cells it was demonstrated that nanocapsules decreased the silibinin retention in the semisolid formulation. All formulations were effective in reducing mice ear edema and leukocyte infiltration induced by UVB radiation 24h after the treatments. After 48h, only the hydrogels containing nanocapsules or silibinin associated with pomegranate oil demonstrated anti-edematogenic effect, as well as the positive control (hydrogel containing silver sulfadiazine 1%). After 72h, the hydrogel containing unloaded pomegranate oil based nanocapsules still presented a small activity. In conclusion, the results of this investigation demonstrated the feasibility to prepare a semisolid formulation presenting performance comparable to the traditional therapeutic option for skin burns (silver sulfadiazine) and with prolonged in vivo anti-inflammatory activity compared to the non-nanoencapsulated compounds. [Display omitted] •Gellam gum converted silibinin and pomegranate oil NC suspensions into hydrogels.•NC decreased the silibinin retention in the hydrogels.•Hydrogels were effective in reducing mice ear edema induced by UVB radiation.•Hydrogels showed prolonged activity compared to the non-nanoencapsulated compounds.