Background and Aim: Nanoparticle shells protect bioactive compounds against the environmental conditions of light, heat, and oxygen, and are also used as carriers for targeted delivery. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of a chitosan-based nanogel containing Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SKE:NP) were studied and compared with Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SKE).
Materials and Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method. The anti-inflammatory
effects of the chitosan-based hydrogel containing SKE, using the paw inflammatory model induced with 2.5%formalin at different times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h after subcutaneous injection), were evaluated.
Results: Nanoparticles with a particle size of 552.8 nm, a surface charge of 24.3 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 30.74% were synthesized. The results of this study showed that SKE:NP (50 mg/kg) could reduce inflammation at all times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h after subcutaneous injection). The hind paw was compared with diclofenac sodium at times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 h after subcutaneous injection), and a significant decrease in paw inflammation was observed. The lowest amount was observed in the group receiving nanogel 50 mg (0.208 g/cm3). In contrast, the amount of paw swelling in the group receiving SKE at a dose of 100 mg/kg two hours after the applied treatment was 0.441 g/cm3 (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: A comparison of the results showed that SKE:NP had more anti-inflammatory effects than SKE.Explanation of the exact mechanism of this anti-inflammatory effect requires a separate investigation.