FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL FILM OF CURCUMIN EXTRACT FROM CURCUMA LONGA USING POLYMERIC BLEND FOR ENHANCED SYSTEMIC DELIVERY

Mansi Shukla*, Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Prof. (Dr.) Jaya Sharma, Ravisha Mathur, Ms. Shaifali Sharma

ABSTRACT

Curcumin, the principal bioactive constituent of Curcuma longa, possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate mucoadhesive buccal films containing curcumin extract using a polymeric blend for enhanced systemic delivery. Curcumin extract was obtained from turmeric powder by ethanolic extraction and incorporated into buccal films prepared by the solvent casting method. Gelatin and sodium alginate were employed as film-forming and mucoadhesive polymers, while starch served as a supporting polymer and glycerin as a plasticizer. Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were developed by varying polymer and plasticizer concentrations. The prepared films were evaluated for physical appearance, surface texture, flexibility, folding endurance, peelability, and hydration behaviour. Approximately 0.50 g of curcumin extract was obtained from 25 g of turmeric powder. Among all formulations, F3 containing 20 mg curcumin extract, 600 mg gelatin, 100 mg sodium alginate, 100 mg starch, and 0.4 mL glycerin demonstrated superior properties, including smooth translucent appearance, good peelability, non-sticky texture, folding endurance greater than 30 folds, and satisfactory hydration behavior. The study demonstrated that polymer concentration and plasticizer content significantly influenced film characteristics. The optimized formulation exhibited promising potential as a mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery system for curcumin.

Keywords: Curcumin, the principal bioactive constituent of Curcuma longa, possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioav