Cumin Essential Oil Nanoemulgel as a Topical Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Alternative to NSAIDs

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) essential oil (CEO) possesses documented analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but its topical application is limited by volatility, instability and low aqueous solubility. This study aimed to develop a CEO nanoemulgel and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics, dermal safety and antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models. The optimized formulation exhibited nanometric droplet size, uniform distribution and acceptable physical stability. In a rat skin irritation test, repeated application of the CEO nanoemulgel did not produce visible erythema or edema compared with the gel base. In mice, the formulation increased tail-flick latency and reduced nociceptive behaviors in both phases of the formalin test, and histological analysis revealed attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings suggest that the CEO nanoemulgel has promising antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity and appears to be well tolerated in short-term preclinical models. Further studies, including long-term safety assessment, mechanistic analysis and clinical trials, are required before CEO nanoemulgel can be considered for use in humans.