Design and Optimization of Thymoquinone-Loaded Nanosponges for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Abstract

Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from Nigella sativa, has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its clinical application is limited due to poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. In this study, we aimed to design and optimize thymoquinone-loaded nanosponges (TQ-NS) as a novel drug delivery system to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in RA therapy. The nanosponges were fabricated using the solvent evaporation technique, and their physicochemical properties, such as size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile, were thoroughly evaluated. The in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of the TQ-NS were assessed using standard models of inflammation. The results showed that TQ-NS significantly improved the solubility, stability, and sustained release of thymoquinone, leading to enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, the TQ-NS demonstrated promising potential for the targeted treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These findings suggest that thymoquinone-loaded nanosponges could offer an effective and innovative approach to RA therapy