Pomegranate seed oil nanoemulsions improve the photostability and in vivo antinociceptive effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Abstract The combination of pomegranate seed oil and ketoprofen in nanoemulsions aiming to improve the antinociceptive effect was evaluated according to the writhing test and Complete Freud’s Adjuvant induced paw inflammation in mice. The formulations showed adequate characteristics and improved ketoprofen’s photostability against UVC radiation exposure. The dialysis bag technique showed that 100% of the drug was released from the nanoemulsions after 3 h and the oil amount had no influence on the releasing. Furthermore, time- and dose-response curves were obtained to determine the antinociceptive effect of the formulations. In the post-test, the nanoemulsion containing ketoprofen significantly reduced abdominal constrictions in time-response curve, showing effect up to 12 h while the free ketoprofen showed effect up to 3 h. In addition, the blank nanoemulsion presented a reduction of abdominal constriction up to 1 h of pre-treatment. Regarding the dose-response curve, the free ketoprofen presents effect at 0.5 mg/Kg dose and nanoemulsion at 1.0 mg/Kg dose. Time- and dose-response curves were performed to determine the antinociceptive effect in inflammatory pain. After the evaluation of mechanical allodynia testing at the Von Frey Hair, the free ketoprofen showed effect up to 6 h while nanoemulsions presented effect up to 10 h. Moreover, acute toxicity was performed with ALT and AST activity evaluations and urea levels. After 7 days of treatment, no toxic effects for nanoemulsions were found. In conclusion, ketoprofen-loaded pomegranate seed oil nanoemulsions presented adequate characteristics and a high antinociceptive activity in the animal models tested.