ethyl-cellulose and Edema

The purpose of this research was to develop a matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system containing herbal drug, curcumin (CUR), with different ratios of hydrophilic (hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose K4M [HPMC K4M]) and hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose [EC]) polymeric systems by the solvent evaporation technique. Different concentrations of oleic acid (OA) were used to enhance the transdermal permeation of CUR. The physicochemical compatibility of the drug and the polymers was also studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results suggested no physicochemical incompatibility between the drug and the polymers. Formulated transdermal films were physically evaluated with regard to drug content, tensile strength, folding endurance, thickness, and weight variation. All prepared formulations indicated good physical stability. In vitro permeation studies of formulations were performed by using Franz diffusion cells. The results followed Higuchi kinetics, and the mechanism of release was diffusion-mediated. Formulation prepared with hydrophilic polymer containing permeation enhancer showed best in vitro skin permeation through rat skin as compared with all other formulations. This formulation demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced oedema in Wistar albino rats similar to standard formulation.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Carrageenan; Cellulose; Curcumin; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Design; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Drug Incompatibility; Drug Stability; Edema; Excipients; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Hypromellose Derivatives; In Vitro Techniques; Kinetics; Methylcellulose; Permeability; Pharmaceutical Vehicles; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Skin; Skin Absorption; Tensile Strength