Development and preperation of turmeric –Boswellia Serrata Ethosomal cream using to treat psoriasis disease

 Corresponding author: Snehal Vishwanath Moikar Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. Development and preperation of turmeric –Boswellia Serrata Ethosomal cream using to treat psoriasis disease Snehal Vishwanath Moikar *, Reema chandrakant Londhe, Madhavi Anandrao Sawant, Alisha Rafik Sayyad and Shrawani Kishor Choudhari Student Samarth Institute of pharmacy Belhe, Pune Maharashtra, India. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 Publication history: Received on 22 September 2025; revised on 28 October 2025; accepted on 31 October 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.24.1.0951 Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by inflammation, scaling, and erythema. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Boswellia Serrata, with their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offer a promising approach to treating psoriasis. This review focuses on the development and preparation of a turmericBoswellia Serrata ethosomal cream, a novel topical formulation designed to enhance the delivery and efficacy of these herbal extracts. The ethosomal cream formulation combines the benefits of liposomes and ethanol, allowing for improved skin penetration and bioavailability of curcumin and boswellic acids. The synergistic action of these compounds may provide a multifaceted approach to managing psoriasis symptoms, including reducing inflammation, modulating immune responses, and promoting skin health. This review discusses the rationale, formulation, and potential benefits of turmeric-Boswellia Serrata ethosomal cream in the treatment of psoriasis, highlighting its potential as a natural, effective, and safe therapeutic option. Keywords: Psoriasis; Turmeric; Boswellia Serrata; Ethosomal Cream; Topical Formulation; Anti-Inflammatory; Antioxidant 1. Introduction About 3% of Americans and an estimated 125 million individuals worldwide suffer from psoriasis, a chronic, immunemediated skin condition. Men and women are equally affected by psoriasis, and adults are more likely than youngsters to have it.1, 3, and 4 The pathophysiology, genetics, comorbidities, and biologic therapies of plaque psoriasis have all advanced at the fastest rates. A feed-forward process of inflammation, mainly the T-helper cell type 17 (TH17) pathway, is involved in the pathophysiology of plaque psoriasis. Environmental variables can aggravate psoriasis, whereas genetic factors are crucial in its development. (1)(2). Scope The purpose of this paper is to present a thorough analysis of the creation and manufacturing of turmeric-Boswellia Serrata ethosomal cream as a possible psoriasis treatment. This review's scope encompasses: •Phytochemistry and Pharmacology: Talk about the bioactive substances found in Boswellia Serrata and turmeric (Curcuma longa), their modes of action, and how they can be used therapeutically to treat psoriasis. •Ethosomal formulation: An introduction to ethosomes as a new drug delivery method, including information on its makeup and benefits for topical medication administration •Formulation development: Talk about how the turmeric-Boswellia Serrata ethosomal cream was developed and optimized, including constituent selection, preparation strategies, and characterization methodologies. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 509 The effectiveness and safety of turmeric-Boswellia Serrata ethosomal cream in treating psoriasis are assessed through a review of preclinical and clinical research. Future directions Talk about the possible uses and future paths of ethosomal cream containing turmeric and Boswellia Serrata in the management of psoriasis. Aim "To evaluate the synergistic efficacy and safety of turmeric-Boswellia Serrata ethosomal cream in treating psoriasis through enhanced topical delivery and modulation of inflammatory pathways." Objective • To develop a stable and effective ethosomal cream formulation incorporating turmeric and Boswellia Serrata extracts. • To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the turmeric-Boswellia Serrata ethosomal cream in treating psoriasis. • To assess the safety and toxicity profile of the formulation. • To investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of turmeric and Boswellia Serrata extracts in the treatment of psoriasis. • To explore the potential of the ethosomal cream formulation in improving patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals with psoriasis. 2. Introduction to disease 2.1. Defination The skin, nails, and joints are the main areas affected by psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated proliferative skin condition. Psoriasis is also known as Willan' slepra because Robert Willan, the founder of modern dermatology, is recognized for providing the first thorough clinical description of the condition. Alibert I initially identified the connection between psoriasis and arthritis in 1818, and in 1964, the American Rheumatology Association acknowledged it as a distinct condition. (3) 2.2. The study of epidemiology It is believed that psoriasis affects 2–3% of people worldwide. The disease's burden in a tropical or subtropical nation like India cannot be understated, despite the fact that it is known to be more common in the world's polar areas. Due to a variety of hereditary and environmental factors, the frequency of psoriasis may differ from one region to another in a multicultural nation like India. Only six studies from North India that estimated the prevalence of illness among adult dermatology patients were available, and they were primarily conducted in hospitals. There have been reports of a higher incidence in males, with the third and fourth decades of life being the peak onset ages. Figure 1 Epidemiology of psoriasis World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 510 2.3. Types of Psoriasis As we previously discussed, plaque is one type of psoriasis. It is the most prevalent type of psoriasis and results in dryness, itching, and elevated skin patches that overlay scales. The areas that occur most frequently are the lower back, elbow, knees, and scalp. The colours of the patches vary according on the skin's hue. The recovery of the damaged area of the skin layer may result in transient changes in color appearance, especially on brown or black skins, because of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. 2.3.1. Psoriasis comes in several forms, such as • plaque psoriasis: The most prevalent type manifests as elevated, red skin patches with silvery-white scales covering them. The patches typically form on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, particularly the elbows and knees, and typically develop in a symmetrical pattern on the body. • The psoriasis of the gut: This form, which resembles little red dots and frequently affects the limbs or torso, usually manifests in children or young adults. Upper respiratory tract infections, such strep throat, are frequently the cause of outbreaks. • Psoriasis pustular: This kind manifests as pustules, which are pus-filled pimples encircled by red skin. Although the hands and feet are typically affected, there is a variant that affects the majority of the body. Stress, certain substances, diseases, and drugs can all cause symptoms. • Psoriasis in reverse: This variety manifests as red, smooth patches in skin folds, like the armpits, crotch, or under the breasts. Sweating and rubbing may exacerbate it. • Psoriasis symptoms can vary from person to person, but some frequent ones include: Patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that burn or itch, usually on the sides of the feet, elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. Thick, pitted, ridged nails; dry, cracked skin that bleeds or itches; and poor sleep quality. (4) Figure 2 Types of psoriasis 2.4. Psoriasis pathophysiology About 2% of people worldwide suffer from psoriasis, and significant progress has been made in our knowledge of the condition and its available treatments. Recent advancements in biological therapy have demonstrated the essential involvement of major signal transduction pathways, skin-resident immune cells, and tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-23p19, and the IL-17A axis in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. In addition to T helper17 cells that produce IL-17, innate lymphoid cells (ILC)3 respond to the produced antimicrobial peptides from activated keratinocytes and inflammatory cytokines by directly causing psoriasis rashes without the need for T-cell/antigen contact. ILC3 normally grows in the presence of IL-7 and IL-23, generates IL-17 and IL22, and expresses retinoic acid receptor related orphan receptor gamma t in the nucleus. Blood, psoriasis rash, and even non rash parts of psoriatic skin had higher levels of ILC3s. Inflammatory illnesses, especially the severe kind, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease are all strongly linked to psoriasis. The pathophysiology of psoriasis may be connected to the similarities World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 511 between the enterobacteria in the gut of diabetic patients and those in psoriasis. In this study, the differences and similarities between psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are discussed. (5) 2.5. Compliance of the patient The majority of patients have poor adherence to topical treatment, which is a serious problem. According to compliance surveys, 39% of patients reported not using topical medication as prescribed. Simple regimens and once-daily therapy have been shown to promote adherence. Patients should also be encouraged to participate in decision-making and informed of realistic treatment outcomes. (6) (7) 2.6. Natural products' therapeutic potential in the treatment of psoriasis 2.6.1. TURMERIC In Asian nations, particularly China and South East Asia, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is widely used as a spice, condiment, preservative, and traditional medicine. It is also utilized as a home cure for a number of ailments. One of the main ingredients in turmeric is curcumin, a yellow pigment derived from Curcuma longa that has antiinflammatory, wound-healing, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant qualities (8). With characteristics linked to the several receptors that curcumin binds to, this substance has demonstrated some notable effects on psoriasis. Ca2+-dependent protein kinase (CDPK), glutathione, p-glycoprotein, GST, PKA, PKC, cPK, PK, 5-LOX, xanthine oxidase, thioredoxin reductase, COX-2, and others are among them. Additionally, curcumin caused phosphorylase kinase activity to be suppressed, which is associated with the remission of human psoriasis. (9) In our analysis, the topical ethosomal cream was regarded as a promising product for a safe and efficient method of applying turmeric to treat skin conditions including psoriasis. 2.6.2. Experimental work using turmeric in other herbal formulation as antipsoriatic 40 individuals were initially enrolled in the trial, with a male to female ratio of 14 to 20. This number of participants was based on comparable studies looking at various herbal topical remedies. Similar investigations assessing the therapeutic effectiveness of new topical herbal treatments in human subjects served as the basis for the patient count. The mean age of the patients, who were all between the ages of 18 and 60, was 31.7. The dermatologist determined that the patients had mild to moderate bilateral symmetrical lesions of stable plaque psoriasis on their arms and legs. A consultant dermatologist's clinical diagnosis of stable plaque psoriasis, which was defined as symmetrically distributed psoriatic plaques that had remained stable inThe dermatologist determined that the patients had mild to moderate bilateral symmetrical lesions of stable plaque psoriasis on their arms and legs. Stable plaque psoriasis was defined as symmetrically distributed psoriatic plaques that had been stable in intensity and extent for at least two months while receiving systemic medication and had not used topical therapy for the previous two weeks, according to a consultant dermatologist's clinical diagnosis. Patients with additional problems, such as infections and malignancies, or those who had received intensive beta-blocker treatment were not included. Furthermore, the ethics committee only authorized this study after extending the exclusion criteria to exclude expectant or nursing moms. A total of nine weeks were spent on each patient in this prospective, randomized, intra-individual, right-left comparative, double-blind, placebocontrolled pilot trial. In contrast to the placebo, which consisted of just the vehicle, patients were instructed to apply the turmeric microemulgel twice a day. Patients were instructed to cover the entire surface of the chosen lesion with a thin coating of medication or a placebo (the distribution of the chosen lesions may vary in size). IRCT201304203106N13 is the registration number for the trial in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. The Ethics Committee of Azad University of Pharmaceutical Sciences gave its approval to the study (No: 13993). Prior to their inclusion in our trial, each patient gave their informed consent. 2.7. Drug profile of turmeric (Curcuma longa) The perennial herbaceous plant Curcuma longa, also called turmeric or haldi, is indigenous to tropical South Asia and belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Its subterranean, bright yellow rhizomes have long been utilized in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses and are also used as a culinary spice to add flavor and color. Curcuminoids, especially curcumin, are the main active ingredients in the plant and give it its strong pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 512 Figure 3 Turmeric Rhizomes Table 1 Characteristics and properties of turmeric Sr. No. Characteristics Information 1. SYNONYMS Turmeric, Haldi, Indian saffron. 2. BIOLOGICAL NAME CURCUMA LONGA 3. FAMILY Zingiberaceae (ginger family). 4. BIOLOGICAL SOURCE The biological source of Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is the dried rhizome (underground stem) of the perennial herb Curcuma longa 5. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENT curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin 6. APPEARENCE The rhizome has a rough, segmented, yellow-brown skin and a dull orange interior, which is ground into a vibrant yellow powder 7. ORIGIN originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically South Asia 8. USES as a spice, cosmetic ingredient, and a remedy for various ailments, including inflammation, digestive issues, skin conditions, and liver disorders 3. Boswellia serrata The moderate to large branching tree Boswellia Serrata (Salai/Salai guggul) (Family: Burseraceae; Genus: Boswellia) is found in arid mountainous areas of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. With 600 species scattered across all tropical regions and 17 genera, the Burseraceae family is well-represented in the plant kingdom. The genus Boswellia has roughly 25 species, the majority of which are found in Arabia, the northeastern coast of Africa, and India. Three of these species have long been regarded as "authentic Frankincense producing trees." (9) Figure 4 Gum resins of Boswellia serrata World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 513 Table 2 Characteristics and properties of Boswellia serrata 3.1. Investigation of boswellia's anti-inflammatory properties in vitro The synthesis of pro-inflammatory enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), including 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB-4), which result in bronchoconstriction, chemotaxis, and increased vascular permeability, has been shown to be inhibited by boswellic acids in both in vitro and animal models. While boswellic acids appear to be a specific inhibitor of 5-LO, other anti-inflammatory plant compounds, including quercetin, also block this enzyme, but in a more general way as an antioxidant. 5-LO produces inflammatory leukotrienes, which induce inflammation by encouraging calcium displacement, cell adhesion, free radical damage, and the migration of cells that produce inflammation to the part of the body that is inflamed. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), Boswellic acids have been demonstrated to dramatically lower glycosaminoglycan breakdown, despite the fact that they are widely known to interfere with glycosaminoglycan synthesis, which speeds up articular damage in arthritic circumstances An in vivo investigation comparing the effects of ketoprofen and Boswellia extract on glycosaminoglycan metabolism revealed that while ketoprofen decreased the amount of total tissue glycosaminoglycan, Boswellia significantly decreased the breakdown of glycosaminoglycans when compared to controls 3.2. Ethosomal delivery system justification Lipid vesicular carriers called ethersomes contain ethanol in comparatively high quantities to improve medication penetration through the skin. (10). They are mostly made up of water, ethanol, and phospholipids. Ethamomes are primarily distinguished from other vesicular carriers by their high ethanol content, which acts to improve epidermal penetration and release the trapped drug particles into deeper layers and systemic circulation. 3.2.1. Mechanism of action By increasing permeability, the alcohol in ethosomes starts the transdermal permeation and drug release process. (11) The stratum corneum (SC) layer, which creates a robust barrier and restricts the entry and permeation of many medications via the skin, is the main obstacle to TDD. The vesicles subsequently enter the deeper layers of skin by squeezing through the intercellular gaps. It has been demonstrated that the inside wall of vesicles contains a higher concentration of drug particles than the core. (12) DSC, FTIR, and SEM of the treated and untreated skin or membrane can be used to study the penetration mechanism. (13)(14) 3.2.2. Rationale for cream formulation The goal of a psoriasis cream formulation is to control the three main features of the condition: inflammation, a weakened skin barrier, and fast skin cell turnover. In order to accomplish this, active medication ingredients are combined with a medium that facilitates drug administration and has therapeutic moisturizing properties. (15)(16) World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 514 4. Development and formulation consideration of ethosomal cream 4.1. Material and method 4.1.1. Plant material • Turmeric (Curcuma longa): fresh rhizomes or dried powder of rhizomes. • Boswellia Serrata: dried oleo gum resins of boswellia. 4.1.2. Chemical reagent Table 3 Ingredients and their role in formulation Sr. No Name of ingredient Role of ingredient Sr. No Name of ingredient Role of ingredient 1. TURMERIC EXTRACT therapeutic agent, utilizing its anti Inflammatory antioxidant, 5. ETHANOL Flexibility and penetration 2. BOSWELLIA SERRATA EXTRACT Boswellia's role is primarily antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory 6. PROPYLENE GLYCOL Penetration enhancer and humectant. 3. CHOLESTEROL Ethosomal structural lipid. 7. WATER To make up the volume. 4. PHOSPHATIDYL GLYCEROL Vesicle formation, skin penetration. 8. Sodium lauryl glutamate To avoid the irritation 4.1.3. Equipment Maceration setup for extraction. Cleavenger apparatus for extraction of Boswellia Serrata oleo gum resin Rotatory evaporator or vaccume oven for solvent removal Manetic stirrer for uniform mixing Analytical balance for precise measurement PH meter for akdjusting PH Sterile container to store cream. 4.2. Method of preperation • PHASE 1: a) Collection and authentification of plant material o b) preparation of Plant extract • PHASE 2: preparation of ethosomal suspension • PHASE 3: loading of ethosomal suspension into cream base 4.3. Phase 1 4.3.1. Collection and authentifcation Curcuma longa rhiomes were gathered from the Samarth rural educational institutions' campus, the Samarth Gurukul. and Bowellia serrata oleo gum resins are purchased via the Amaon purchasing app. In addition to being completely cleaned and dried, the rhiiomes' physiochemical characteristics, moisture content, and organoleptic characterization will be assessed. (17) 4.3.2. Making the plant extract To increase the extraction surface area, the herbs are dried, cleansed, and then ground into tiny pieces.Drying the turmeric rhiomes is essential since excessive moisture can interfere with the extraction process.Before being ground into a fine powder, the hurbs should be shade-dried for two to three weeks. 4.3.3. Extraction by maceration process (Turmeric) Select the appropriate extraction solvent, such as ethanol, methanol, and water, based on the type of material. Crush the turmeric rhiomes into tiny bits to enhance the surface area. Place the prepared herb separately in World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 515 jars or a sanitized glass container. Pour enough ethanol over the plants to totally drown them. Usually, the ratio is 1:5 to 1:10. After sealing and stirring, allow the maceration process to continue for 7–14 days, gently shaking the jar daily. Then, concentrate and filter the solution. 4.4. Boswellia resins are extracted using the steam distillation technique Whereas the steam distillation method involves passing steam through a bed of the sample, the Clevenger device uses heat to evaporate volatile components from the hydrated sample. Both approaches produce two layers: watery and oilrich. Separating funnels can be used to further separate the oil. 4.4.1. Screening for phytochemicals Last but not least, the extracts of turmeric, Tridax procumbens, and Moringa olifera underwent phytochemical testing and were properly kept to guarantee their stability. (18) 4.4.2. Alkaloids Test (Mayer's Test) Mayer's reagent was added drop by drop after two milliliters of concentrated HCL were mixed with approximately two milliliters of extract. The formation of white precipitate indicates the presence of alkaloids. 4.4.3. Saponin Test (Foam Test) Pour 10–20 milliliters of water into 1 gram of the sample material, stir thoroughly, and observe for the formation of foam. The foam's stability over a set amount of time, like 60–120 seconds or longer, indicates the existence of saponins. 4.4.4. Tannin Test Ferric Chloride Test When 1 milliliter of the extract was mixed with 0.1% ferric chloride solution, a brownish green or blue-black coloring, which indicates the presence of tannins, was seen. 4.4.5. Salkowski's Test for Terpenoids After obtaining around 1 milliliter of the extract and 2 milliliters of chloroform, 5 milliliters of concentrated H2SO4 were applied along the walls of the test tube. When a reddish-brown coloration appears in the interphase, terpenoids are present. 4.4.6. The Bromine Water Test for Phenolic Compounds. After dissolving the organic compound in a suitable solvent, such as water or glacial acetic acid, add bromine water drop by drop. A satisfactory result is indicated by the formation of a white 2,4,6-tribromophenol precipitate and the removal of the reddish-brown hue of the bromine water. (19) 4.5. Phase 2: preparation of ethosomal suspension The second-generation new vesicular system, ethersomes, are designed to improve drug delivery. Touitou et al. originally reported these in 2000. They have a high ethanol content (20–45%) and phospholipids that are very stretchy. The permeation is enhanced by ethanol. The presence of ethanol causes the vesicles to become negatively charged and reduces their size. By interacting with the polar head of lipid molecules, this method has been shown to promote lipid fluidity and cell membrane permeability, which lowers the melting point of the lipid found in the stratum corneum. Lipids in the skin and the elastic vesicle are subsequently fluidized as a result. (20) 4.5.1. Methods of Preparation Ethosomes are prepared by following methods • Rotary film evaporation • Vortex sonication method • Hot injection method • Cold injection Method Rotating film evaporation is the process used to prepare ethosome. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 508-518 516 4.6. Method of Cold Injection This approach involves vigorously swirling a lipid and medication ethanolic solution. Polyols are added to the produced solution, and the combination is heated to 30 degrees Celsius. To create homogeneous vesicles, hot water is added to the mixture drop by drop while being constantly agitated. Vesicles of the desired size can be produced by extrusion, sonication, and other methods. The entire process should be conducted in a closed vessel. (21) Figure 5 Schematic representation of cold injection method 4.6.1. PHASE 3: loading of ethosomal suspension into cream base A cream was created using the dehydrated ethosomal solution. Glycerin and propylene glycol made up the aqueous phase, which was dissolved in hot water. In the others, an oil phase comprising butylated hydroxytoluene, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, and stearic acid was heated to 75°C. After adding the oil phase and triethanolamine to the aqueous phase, the mixture was allowed to swell for 15 minutes at 3000 rpm until a uniform cream was created. The cream is then allowed to come to room temperature. The cream's base was mixed with the dried ethosomal suspension for five minutes at 100 rpm, or until 20% of the cream's azelaic acid was present. (22) 4.7. Evaluation of cream 4.7.1. Organoleptic analysis The cream made from turmeric boswellia ethosome was visually examined for color, homogeneity, consistency, and phase separation. 4.7.2. Turmeric boswellia content in ethosomal cream To improve solubility, a certain quantity of a cream made from turmeric boswelloia ethosome is dissolved in methanol and then ultrasonically agitated for 15 minutes. After that, the solution was diluted with phosphate buffer pH 6.8 until the volume was equal in a 25 mL volumetric flask. Turmeric boswelloia content was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. 4.8. PH Measurement A pH meter calibrated with standard buffer solutions at pH 4 and pH 7 was used to measure the pH. The pH value was determined by inserting an electrode into the cream made from turmeric boswelloia ethosome. Three replicates were used to calculate the average pH. 4.8.1. VISOCITY Using spindle number three, the Brookfield viscometer was used to measure the viscosity of the cream made from turmeric boswelloia ethosome at 25°C. 4.9. Transmission electric microscopy study Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, JEOL JEM-1400) was used to examine the ethersome morphology of a chosen formula. Samples were dropped onto a copper grid coated with carbon; the droplet was thereafter allowed to dry at room temperature before being colored with a solution of uranyl acetate. Following drying, they were examined under a microscope with an acceleration voltage of 100 kV and a magnification of 1,000–20,000.