TO DESIGN, DEVELOP, AND OPTIMIZE A GALANGIN LOADED THERMOSENSITIVE IN-SITU NASAL GEL FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Dr. Shinde R.*, Bade Kanchan K., Dr. Bargaje Goraksh S. 

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to develop and optimize a galangin-loaded thermosensitive in-situ nasal gel for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Galangin, a neuroprotective flavonoid, suffers from poor aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability when administered orally. To overcome these limitations, a nasal in-situ gel formulation was designed using Poloxamer 407 as the thermosensitive polymer and Moringa gum as a mucoadhesive agent. A 3² factorial design was employed to optimize two independent variables concentration of Poloxamer 407 and Moringa gum based on the desired responses: gelling temperature and mucoadhesive strength. The optimized batch (F5) showed a gelling temperature of 32.9 °C and mucoadhesive strength of 4562 dynes/cm², closely matching predicted values with relative error <0.5%, validating the statistical model. Physicochemical evaluation demonstrated suitable pH, rapid gelation time, strong gel strength, and temperature-responsive viscosity. FTIR and DSC confirmed the compatibility of galangin with excipients. Ex vivo permeation through goat nasal mucosa exhibited sustained drug release over 12 hours, with F5 achieving 78.46% cumulative permeation. Stability studies confirmed the formulation’s robustness under accelerated conditions. The study concludes that the developed in-situ nasal gel offers a promising strategy for enhanced brain delivery of galangin, providing a non-invasive and efficient approach for managing Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords: Galangin; Thermosensitive in-situ gel; Nasal drug delivery; Alzheimer’s disease; Poloxamer 407; Moringa gum; Factorial design; Mucoadhesion; Ex vivo permeation; Stability study.