Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects around 2% of the global population, which has a substantial impact on the physical and mental health of a patient. Within the pharmaceutical industry, topical therapies are widely available to help with symptom management in psoriasis, ranging from creams to shampoos. Despite this, side effects and palatability proved to be major deterrents in prolonged therapy, therefore the need for an efficacious and tolerable alternative is needed to improve quality of life for these patients.
Hydrogels, a network of polymers and water, prove favourable in the treatment of psoriasis due to their flexibility, film-forming nature, and ability to provide a moist wound environment. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a derivative of cellulose, was the chosen polymer due to it being non-toxic, biocompatible, and water soluble. In addition to this, the shear thinning rheological property proved advantageous for psoriasis due to the fragility of the skin. Natural additives, like honey and green tea, possess antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties and their effect on the hydrogel properties was examined. The degree in which the additive effects the formulation is characterised using oscillation rheology, measuring the dynamic moduli (G’ and G”) for each formulation. HPMC, honey and green tea hydrogels all displayed dominant liquid-like properties. 5% green tea and 10% honey displayed greatest stability whilst maintaining their liquid properties, which could be down to the increased intermolecular bonds formed within the polymer structure.
All the topical formulations were prepared successfully during this research project, producing properties beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Future research to study the optimal balance of honey and HPMC, the degree in which the formulations can treat psoriasis and the addition of further additives to enhance patient acceptability would be of great interest.
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