Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Cinnamon and Clove essential oils nanogels: an in vivo study

BACKGROUND: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oils are two medicinally important plant-derived substances with a wide range of biological properties. Besides, nanoemulsion-based gels have been widely used to increase topical drug delivery and effectiveness. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect (paw edema test) and the anti-nociceptive effect (hot plate and formalin test) of nanoemulsion-based gels containing the essential oils in the animal model. Cinnamon and Clove essential oils nanoemulsions with droplet sizes of 28 ± 6 nm and 12 ± 3 nm were first prepared. By adding carboxymethylcellulose (3.5% w/v), the nanoemulsions were then gelified. Finally, the nanogels were characterized by ATR-FTIR analysis and were used as topical pre-treatment before induction of inflammation or pain in acute and chronic analgesic experimental studies. RESULTS: The paw edema and formalin findings showed that the nanogels formulations possess significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION: The prepared nanogels could be considered as analgesic drugs for inhibiting the inflammation and pain of diseases.