Abstract

BUCCAL IN SITU GEL CONTAINING CURCUMIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF ORAL THRUSH

V. Anoop Narayanan*, B. Prakash Rao

ABSTRACT

Curcumin, a naturally occuring polyphenolic compound has been proven for its antifungal activity against Candida albicans and is found to reduce the fungal burden in oropharyngeal candidiasis. Present study aims to develop an insitu gelling solution of curcumin, thus to increase the residence time of curcumin in the oral cavity for better antifungal activity. Solubility studies proved that curcumin is sparingly soluble in water in oral pH conditions, and the minimum inhibitory concentration against C albicans was found to be 80μg/ml. Curcumin in situ gel was prepared by using PEG 400 and poloxamer 407 in various ratios as a gelling agent. Formulations except P10 were turned into a gel form rapidly at 37°C and were retained their form for few hours. In vitro drug release studies carried out in sink condition showed a sustained Higuchi pattern release from the P3 formulation which was extended for 5h. Rheological evaluation revealed the psuedoplastic behaviour of the gel. Gel showed adequate bioadhessive strength when evaluated with an extracted goat buccal mucosa. The zone of inhibition of P3 formulation was 19mm which was comparable with a standard fluconazole solution and C. albican were sensitive to curcumin. Thus curcumin in situ gel may be a promising and patient friendly treatment method for the treatment of oral candidiasis, which should be reconfirmed through further clinical evaluation.

Keywords: Bioadhessive strengh; curcumin; in situ gel; minimum inhibitory concentration; oral candidiasis; oral thrush.