FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CURCUMINOIDS- CAPSAICINOIDS-EUDRAGIT® EPO TRANSDERMAL FILM FOR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY IN WISTAR RATS

Background: This study presents the extraction, fractionation, formulation, and evaluation of transdermal polyherbal films containing Curcumin and Capsaicin for potential anti-inflammatory use. Capsicum annuum extract underwent ethanol-based extraction and fractionation, isolating alkaloids for further study. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids in both Curcuma longa and Capsicum annuum extracts. Chemical fractionation was done for Capsicum annuum extract, Dichloromethane fraction given the best results for alkaloids. Compatibility studies employing FTIR and DSC demonstrated the compatibility of Curcumin and Capsaicin with excipients, crucial for film formulation. In-silico molecular docking studies elucidated interactions between Capsaicin/Curcumin and Cox-2 protein, hinting at potential anti-inflammatory activity. The films were formulated using chitosan and solid dispersions of Curcuminoids/Capsaicinoids with Eudragit® EPO. Evaluation encompassed various parameters like weight variation, thickness, folding endurance, moisture content, water uptake, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. Further assessment involved a Carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats, comparing different film formulations with a standard Diclofenac patch for their anti-inflammatory efficacy. Conclusion: This comprehensive approach involving extraction, fractionation, formulation, evaluation, and efficacy testing demonstrates the potential of these polyherbal films for anti-inflammatory applications, offering a promising avenue for transdermal drug delivery systems.