Abstract

Background: Formulating omega-3-fatty acids as nanoemulsion solves the issues associated with conventional anti-inflammatory formulation by increasing solubilization of the lipophilic moiety, increasing rate of absorption and consequently increasing drug bioavailability. Thus the principal rationale governing the current analysis was to inspect the anti-inflammatory potential of nautical omega-3-fatty acids administered orally as nanoemulsion formulation.

Method: Omega-3-fatty acid concentrate was extracted from cod liver oil by urea crystallization method and was further exposed to the various physiochemical evaluation parameters like solubility, partition co-efficient analysis, phytochemical tests and Fourier Transfer Infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR). The bioactive concentrate was further encapsulated into nanoemulsion formulation by means of phase inversion temperature method and characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Particle size and texture evaluations. Wistar albino rats of either sex were selected and divided into prescribed groups and treated with omega-3-fatty acid concentrate, omega-3-nanoemulsion and standard drug Diclofenac sodium respectively and subjected to papaya latex induced rat paw oedema.

Result: The percentage difference in the weight of the oedema induced paw for all treatment groups were evaluated and the data obtained was compared. All the data were subjected to due statistical evaluation. The omega-3-nanoemulsion treatment led to a significant (P<0.05) suppression of paw and ear oedema, in carrageen induced paw oedema, croton oil induced oedema respectively. Also the extent of oedema suppression was comparatively more than the suppression observed in case of standard (Diclofenac sodium) treated group and omega-3-fatty acid concentrate treated group which advocate that omega-3- nanoemulsion formulation demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy.

Keywords: Omega-3-fatty acids, anti-inflammatory, papaya latex, oedema, preformulation studies, nanoemulsion.

Graphical Abstract