Formulation Development and In vitro Permeability of Curcumin Films Using Different Penetration Enhancers

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop curcumin transdermal films by solvent evaporation technique using Carboxy polymethylene and Eudragit RS 100 as matrix polymers. The influence of penetration enhancers: dimethyl sulphoxide (1, 2 and 3% (w/w)), tween 80 (1, 2 and 3% (w/w)) and oleic acid (1, 2 and 3% (w/w)) on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of Curcumin through the rabbit skin was evaluated. Methods: Differential scanning calorimetry was used to evaluate the compatibility between the drug and excipients. All the prepared formulations were evaluated for moisture content, moisture uptake, flatness, tensile strength, drug content determination and in vitro permeation studies across rabbit skin. Results: The enhancing effectiveness of the enhancers decreased in the order: Oleic acid > Dimethyl sulphoxide > Tween 80. Compared to the control formulation 1.3-fold enhancement was observed with 2% tween 80. There were no significant promoting effects at low concentrations of dimethyl sulphoxide; however, a 1.18-fold increase in Curcumin flux resulted in higher percentage (3%) of dimethyl sulphoxide. The highest enhancement factor was 1.43 with 2% oleic acid. The skin irritation tests showed negligible erythema and edema. Conclusion: The results suggested the possibility of using formulated curcumin films in topical conditions like wound healing.