Preparation and evaluation of vaginal suppo-sponges loaded with benzydamine, in-vitro/in-vivo study

This study aimed to design a new Benzydamine HCl (BNZ) suppo-sponge for controlled, mucoadhesive dosage form for vaginal candidiasis treatment, offering advantages over traditional creams, ointments, or gels. BNZ-loaded suppo-sponges were fabricated by simple casting / freeze-drying technique utilizing the cross-linking of chitosan (Cs) with vanillin (V). Vaginal suppo-sponges were prepared based on different vanillin cross-linking ratios (V)._n), from 0 to 2%w/w. To best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses Schiff's base between chitosan and vanillin as a drug delivery system to treat fungal vaginal infections. Schiff's base formation was confirmed by FT-IR. In-vitro appraisal showed acceptable physical and mechanical characteristics. Formulations based on cross-linking of Cs with V showed a more pronounced in-vitro antifungal activity. In-vitro drug release revealed a prolonged release pattern, becoming more noticeable with the higher cross-linked suppo-sponges (22.34% after 8 h). In-vivo testing of CsV₂ suppo-sponge indicated a more pronounced reduction in fungal count than both CsV₀ and Tantum^® Rosa in the first week, with a peak reduction on day 7 and the 10^th and 11^th days of the second week. Conclusively, Chitosan/vanillin suppo-sponges represent a promising delivery system for drugs intended for local treatment of vaginal candidiasis. than both CsV₀ and Tantum^® Rosa in the first week, with a peak reduction on day 7 and the 10^th and 11^th days of the second week. Conclusively, Chitosan/vanillin suppo-sponges represent a promising delivery system for drugs intended for local treatment of vaginal candidiasis.