TREATMENT OF MOUTH ULCER BY CURCUMIN LOADED THERMOREVERSIBLE MUCOADHESIVE GEL: A TECHNICAL NOTE

Abstract

Objective: Mouth ulcer is one of the commonest disorders caused due to a variety of etiological factors. Although many formulations like solution, suspension and ointments are commercially available, no therapy can be said completely useful for the treatment of mouth ulcers. The efficacy of the therapy can be improved by the approach of bio adhesion. The phenomenon of sol to gel conversion can be useful due to its ease of administration compared to gel formulations. Curcumin is known to have wound healing, anti-carcinogenic and anti-bacterial activities can be effective in treatment of mouth ulcers. Methods: Hence, the present study was aimed to formulate Thermo reversible Mucoadhesive Gel (TMG) containing Curcumin for treatment of mouth ulcer. Formulations were prepared by using Pluronic F68 and Pluronic F127 as thermo reversible agent along with carbomers and Xanthan gum as bioadhesive polymers. The formulations were characterized for gelation temperature, pH, gel strength, spreadability, in vitro muco adhesion and in vitro drug release. Results: Increase in the concentration of mucoadhesive agent enhanced the mucoadhesive force significantly. All batches were found to be satisfactory results for gelation temperature, Gel strength, Muco adhesion studies, Spreadability, gelling capacity, In-vitro drug release etc. The formulations delivered drug for about 4 h. Conclusion: The obtained results show that the residence time as well as the contact area of curcumin at the ulcer can be enhanced along with a sustained release. It can be concluded that TMG of Curcumin can be ideal candidate for mouth ulcer.