Formulation and Evaluation of Invasomal and Ethosomal Gel for Curcumin and Determination of Anti- Fungal Activity

Abstract

Background: Despite exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-cancer properties, curcumin is not exhibiting the same efficacy as that other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and anti-cancer drugs. The main reason is its poor solubility and poor permeability. To improve the solubility the particle size has to be reduced to the nano level and to improve the permeability vesicular drug delivery approaches have to be adapted. By developing invasomal and ethosomal gels the bioavailability of curcumin can be enhanced. Aim and Objective: The main aim of the study is to develop Invasomal and Ethosomal drug delivery systems for curcumin by various techniques. Methods: Curcumin loaded invasomes were prepared by using a thin film hydration method. Six formulations were prepared by varying drug to lipid ratios (INV1 to INV6). Soya lecithin was used as a phospholipid, span60 was used as a surfactant, limonene was used as terpene, ethanol and chloroform were used as solvents. Curcumin-loaded ethosomes were prepared by using a hot method. Five formulations were prepared by increasing lipid concentration (E1 to E5). Soya lecithin as lipid, propylene glycol, and ethanol as solvent. The prepared formulations were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug content, entrapment efficiency. and in vitro drug release studies. Results: Among all the formulations of Invasomes, INV3 formulation containing a 1:5 ratio of the drug (40 mg) to lipid (200 mg) was considered as best formulation because of its particle size of 327. A total of 1nm, zeta potential of -32.6 mV, highest drug content of 97.5%, entrapment efficiency of 96%, and in vitro drug release of 95% in a time period of 12 hrs. Among all the formulations of ethosomes, the E3 formulation was considered as best formulation due to its particle size of 697.5 nm, zeta potential of - 28.0 Mv, highest drug content of 97.3%, entrapment efficiency of 90%, and in vitro drug release of 94.6% in a time period of 12 hrs. Conclusion: The best invasomal and ethosomal formulations were incorporated into gel and evaluated for pH, viscosity, Spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release studies, and ex vivo studies. INV3 and E3 were incorporated into gel and comparative studies were made with plain gel. Among the three gels (PG, INV3G, E3G), invasomal gel (INV3) exhibited the highest content drug content of 81%, pH of 6.6, spreadability 14.8g cm/sec, in vitro drug release of 90.6%, ,and ex vivo drug release of 97% in a time period of 12 hrs with the release rate of 32.53 microgram/cm2/hr-1/2, the flux of 0.346 μg/cm2/hr and permeation coefficient of 42.71 cm/hr.