Tropical
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, December 2011;
10(6): 697-703
http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v10i6.1
Abstract
Purpose:
To develop a proniosomal carrier system of curcumin for
transdermal delivery.
Methods:
Proniosomes of curcumin were prepared by encapsulation
of the drug in a mixture of Span 80, cholesterol and
diethyl ether by ether injection method, and then
investigated as a transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS).
The formulated systems were characterized for size, drug
entrapment, angle of repose, hydration rate and
vesicular stability under various storage conditions. In
vitro release studies were performed using albino rat
skin.
Results:
The method used for preparing proniosome resulted in an
encapsulation yield of 82.3 – 86.8%. Scanning electron
microscopy analysis showed that the surface of the
particles was smooth. Stability data following storage
under different conditions showed that the drug content
of the proniosomes varied from 99.5% under refrigerated
condition to 99.2 and 93% at room and elevated
temperatures, respectively. One of the formulations
(PG1) showed prolonged in vitro drug release of 61.8%
over a period of 24 h.
Conclusion:
It is evident from this study that proniosomes are very
stable and promising prolonged delivery system for
curcumin.
Keywords:
Proniosomes, Curcumin, Drug stability, In vitro release,
Transdermal drug delivery.
