Etoricoxib and Herbal Adjuvant Containing Nanoparticles Incorporated Gel and Ointment Formulations for the Treatment of Human Skin Melanoma (SK-MEL-2)

Aim: The aim of the study was to develop nanoparticles consisting of etoricoxib with ethanolic extract of ginger rhizome (GE) and basil leaves (BE) and evaluate against human skin cancer cells (melanoma, SK-MEL-2). Nanoparticles were further incorporated into gel and ointment and characterized. Methods: Concentration of extract was varied while etoricoxib remained constant in nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were incorporated into gel and ointment, prepared by using tamarind seed polysaccharide and aloe vera gel, respectively. Results: All the batches of nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size and were found from 924 nm (N1) to 1084 nm (N9). The loading efficiency of etoricoxib varied form 66.8 ± 0.05% (N4) to 85.1 ± 0.04% (N9), for GE 60.3 ± 0.04% (N4) to 72.1 ± 0.05% (N9), for BE 59.5 ± 0.04% (N8) to 80.5 ± 0.03% (N9). The consistency of ointment and gel was found smooth. The pH of the nanoparticles incorporated ointment was observed 6.2 ± 0.023 (O6) to 6.2 ± 0.089 (O4), viscosity was found as 0.70 ± 0.098 (O3) to 1.130 ± 0.092 (O1) gm/cm³, and spreadability in the range of 58.3 ± 0.062 (O2) to 66.2 ± 0.098 (O5)%. The pH of nanoparticles incorporated gel was observed 6.2 ± 0.019 (G2) to 6.2 ± 0.098 (G7), viscosity was found as 0.847 ± 0.030 (G7) to 1.130 ± 0.065 gm/cm³ (G9), with spreadability in the range of 62.5 ± 0.045% (G5) to 70.51±0.056% (G4). In vitro cytotoxic studies showed that nanoparticles incorporated gel formulation (G1) was able to control cell growth (SK-MEL-2). Conclusion: It can be concluded that etoricoxib and herbal components consisting of formulations were able to control the growth of human skin cancer cells.