ABSTRACT

Arbutin and curcumin are widely used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. A very hydrophilic drug (arbutin) is unable to penetrate the skin, while a very lipophilic drug (curcumin) has the propensity to remain in the layers of the stratum corneum; so, there is need for enhancement of penetration for both drugs. Gel containing phosphatidyl complexes of drugs have emerged as one of the most interesting topical delivery systems as it has dual control release systems i.e., gel and complexes. One side the topical applications of the drugs offers the potential advantages of delivering the drug directly to the site of action and secondly delivering the drug for extended period of time at the affected site. The major objective behind this formulation was enhancing the topical delivery of both drugs by formulating gel containing phosphatidylcholine complexes. Optimized formulation of complexes of both drugs incorporated into gel base and evaluated for visual examination, spreadability, pH, and viscosity. The prepared gel was light yellowish in color and showed good homogeneity with the absence of lumps and syneresis. Spreadability, pH, and viscosity of prepared gel was found 5.86 ± 0.057, 5.53 ± 0.115, and 17535.66 ± 5.859, respectively. The in-vitro drug release was found 81.05 ± 2.62 and 77.67 ± 3.60 after 300 minutes for arbutin and curcumin, respectively from prepared gel. Recovery of arbutin and curcumin from the prepared gels was 99.66% and 98.48%, respectively. No change in color, odor, and homogeneity, as well as a negligible change in pH and net content of the prepared formulation, was observed during and completion of stability testing. Keywords: Hyperpigmentation, Arbutin, Curcumin, Phospholipid complexes, Topical gel
Publication date: 01/10/2021

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/October/MS_IJBPAS_2021_OCT_SPCL_1032.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.10.1032