The main objective of this study was to prepare and characterize oleogel as potential carrier for quercetin skin delivery. The formulations were prepared by adding olive oil (5–30%) to Pluronic F127 hydrogel and were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity in vitro quercetin release and stability, and were compared with that of Pluronic F127 hydrogel. The selected formulation was characterized for its interaction possibility, ex vivo skin permeation and skin histological changes and safety. The particle sizes ranged from 345.3 ± 5.3 nm to 401.5 ± 2.8 nm, and possessed negative charges. The viscosities of the formulations were found in the range of 6367–4823 cps with inverse proportionality to olive oil percentage while the higher percentages showed higher quercetin release. Percentages of 25% and 30% olive oil showed instability pattern under the conditions of accelerated stability studies. Differential scanning calorimetry verified the existence of quercetin in micellar aggregation and the network in the case of hydrogel and oleogel respectively. Ex vivo skin permeation showed an improved skin permeation of quercetin when 20% olive oil containing oleogel was used. Skin histology after 10 days of application showed stratum corneum disruption and good safety profile. Based on these findings, the proposed oleogel containing 20% olive oil denotes a potential carrier for topical delivery of quercetin.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a pathogen that belongs to the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC), causes tuberculosis (TB), an infectious bacterial disease. Although it usually affects the lungs and results in pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also lead to extra-pulmonary tuberculosis by affecting other regions of the body. TB, which ranks first on the list of infectious diseases that kill the most people, affects one-third of the world’s population and has a high mortality and morbidity rate. The clinical treatment of active TB infection mainly relies on the use of isoniazid INH in combination with three other drugs—rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. However, the situation is getting worse due to the rise of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Finding more effective drugs is always a top priority. In this regard, animal venoms, such as snake toxins, contain antibacterial chemicals that have significant therapeutic properties and prevent bacterial infections and disease progression. This suggests that snake venom is a good natural source of promising novel anti-TB drugs. Aim: This study examines the snake venom protein’s capacity in silico to interrupt the intracellular enzymes of M. tuberculosis, which is responsible for the development of MDR-TB in humans. Methods: From the protein RCSB-PDB, the active protein structure of catalase-peroxidase, RNA polymerase, and snake venom proteins was derived. Using molecular docking software such as PyRx, PyMOL, and Ligplot analyzers the interactions between those proteins and the targeted intracellular proteins were evaluated. Results: Our findings reveal fascinating affinities and interaction patterns between snake venom proteins and MDR-TB intracellular enzymes. Analysis of the effects of these interactions and their capacity to impair catalase-peroxidase and RNA polymerase showed that Russell’s viper venom proteins were active against the catalase-peroxidase system, whereas Bothrops jararaca venom proteins were active against the RNA polymerase system. Conclusion: This study highlights a prospective approach for advancing anti-TB agents by using snake venom proteins to inhibit the growth, replication, and transmission of MDR-TB. This will provide a basis for exploring pharmacophore-based drugs to combat MDR-TB infections.