DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DIOSMIN LOADED PRONIOSOME GEL FOR VARICOSE VEINS

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development and characterization of a diosmin-loaded proniosomal gel intended for transdermal management of varicose veins. Diosmin, a well-established venotonic flavonoid, suffers from poor aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability, which restrict its therapeutic efficiency in chronic venous disorders. To overcome these limitations, a proniosomal gel system was designed using non-ionic surfactants (Span 60 and Span 80), cholesterol, and lecithin, employing the coacervation phase separation technique. Multiple formulations were prepared and systematically evaluated for vesicle morphology, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, surface characteristics, and drug release behavior. The optimized formulation demonstrated high entrapment efficiency (up to 97.8%), nanosized spherical vesicles with smooth morphology, and a stable negative zeta potential, indicating good colloidal stability. In vitro release studies revealed sustained drug release over 24 hours, while ex vivo permeation studies across goat skin confirmed enhanced and controlled transdermal delivery, achieving approximately 81.7% cumulative drug permeation within 12 hours. Overall, the results highlight the potential of diosmin proniosomal gel as a promising, patient-friendly transdermal delivery system that may improve localized therapeutic efficacy, minimize systemic side effects, and enhance patient compliance in the treatment of varicose veins.