Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin Enhanced Using Different Surfactant for Preparing Proniosomal Gel

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to enhance the oral bioavailability of curcumin using different surfactant and vehicle for preparing proniosomal gel. Methods: Curcumin comes under BCS Class IV which is having low solubility and low permeability and poor bioavailability. Buccal drug delivery can bypass such problems and leads to increase in bioavailability. Proniosomes offer excellent potential for improved drug delivery through versatile routes, by overcome the permeation barriers. Trial batches of proniosomal gel are prepared by coacervation phase separation method using different concentration of surfactant (Span 20, Span 40, Span 60, and Span 80) with cholesterol, soyalecithin, and vehicles such as 0.1% glycerol solution or pH 6.8. The formulated systems were characterized to find out the effects of surfactant on vesicle size, % entrapment efficiency, and % drug release and permeation at 6 h. Stability studies for proniosomal gel were carried out for 4 weeks. Results and Conclusion: It suggested that formulation (F2) containing Span 20 and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 has high entrapment efficiency, drug release, and permeation as compare to the other formulations and it can enhance the delivery of curcumin through oral route and can improve the bioavailability of drug