Magnesium oil enriched transdermal nanogel of methotrexate for improved arthritic joint mobility, repair, and reduced inflammation

Aim: Methotrexate (Mtx) is prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients; however, improved repair and mobility of joints still are the major concerns. Magnesium oil (MO) improves joint mobility and repair; therefore, MO-assisted transdermal delivery of Mtx was aimed. Methods: MO integrated Mtx nanoemulsion (Mtx-MONE) was prepared with uniform size (175 +/- 35.4 nm), pH (6.15 +/- 0.3) near to skin pH, and high entrapment efficiency (65 +/- 8.6%). Mtx-MONE was transformed to nanogel (Mtx-MONEG) with semisolid consistency (43,408 +/- 77.72 cP) and good spreadability (3.63 +/- 0.033 mJ). Results: Mtx-MONEG showed significant reduction in oedema, arthritic scores, level of inflammatory cytokines, and improved walking as compared to diseased control. MO offered additional improvements in joints, mobility, and repair. Conclusion: Transdermal delivery of Mtx has been successfully achieved by Mtx-MONEG. Tremendous recovery from inflammation, improved joints mobility and repair, and reduced pain strongly support the use of MO as an adjutant of Mtx for improved transdermal application.