Formulation, Characterization, and In Vitro Analysis of a Curcumin-Loaded Lecithin-Coconut Oil-Based Emulgel for...

Effective burn management is essential for alleviating patient discomfort and promoting recovery. Curcumin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, offering potential benefits in burn management. Coconut oil has also been reported to possess skin-moisturizing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate curcumin-loaded coconut oil-based emulgel formulations to improve therapeutic outcomes in burn management.

Eight emulgel formulations (F1-F8) were prepared utilizing lecithin, hyaluronic acid, and coconut oil. The developed formulations were evaluated for their organoleptic properties, including color, odor, texture, and phase separation, as well as their physicochemical characteristics, such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in vitro drug release. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyse the morphological characteristics.

The formulations exhibited a bi-continuous system with a threedimensional polymeric network structure. The developed formulations exhibited pH values (5.40- 6.35), viscosities (3840-5369 cps), spreadability (7-8 cm), drug contents (82-95%), and in vitro drug release (88-93%) over 24 hours, showing promising results for topical delivery. Among the formulations, F3 demonstrated the highest drug release, whereas F8 exhibited the highest viscosity and drug content. The emulgel also provided cooling, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, supporting wound healing and pain relief.

The developed Curcumin-loaded coconut oil-based emulgel shows promise for burn management, offering enhanced topical drug delivery and therapeutic benefits. These findings support further research to optimize formulation parameters for improved clinical outcomes.