EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITIES OF FLOATING MICROSPHERES OF HERBAL DRUG

Abstract

The aim of the present studies was to prepare and evaluate floating microspheres of curcumin for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effect. Floating microsphere were prepared using hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30), eudragit RS 100 polymer in different ratio and dichloromethane and heavy liquid paraffin as solvent by emulsion solvent diffusion method. The floating microspheres were evaluated for flow properties based on parameters such as angle of repose and compressibility index, as well as for various other physicochemical properties including particle size, incorporation efficiency, in-vitro floatability, and in-vitro drug release. The shape and surface morphology of the microspheres were characterised by scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed pores on the surface and interior of the microspheres. Anti- inflammatory, anti-arthritic effect of formulation C4 and E1 were compared with standard market product Indomethacin. The effect of formulation C4 and E1 was evaluated for acute inflammation in carrageenan induced rat paw edema and for chronic inflammation in complete Freud’s adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in rats. Further histopathological and radiographic evaluation was performed. It may be concluded that Curcumin microspheres would be promising drug delivery system for oral administration of Curcumin to sustained the drug release. Incorporation of herbal drugs in novel drug delivery system may lead to an excellent result.