Search for a command to run...
Background: Diacerein (DCR), an anti-osteoarthritic agent, and curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, exhibit therapeutic potential; However, their clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and stability. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)- based vesicular systems can enhance drug retention, hydration, and sustained release, making them suitable carriers for topical arthritis therapy. Aim: The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel topical gel formulation incorporating DCR-loaded HA vesicles and curcumin to achieve enhanced and sustained therapeutic efficacy in arthritis management. Methods: HA-based vesicles loaded with DCR were prepared using soy lecithin and evaluated for Particle Size (PS), Zeta Potential (ZP), Entrapment Efficiency (EE), and in vitro drug release. Based on optimisation studies, formulation F7 containing 0.4% (w/v) HA and 1 mg/mL DCR was selected and incorporated into a curcumin gel. The resulting gel was assessed for physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, drug content uniformity, spreadability, and in vitro drug release. Results: The optimised HA vesicle formulation (F7) showed a mean PS of 315nm, ZP of −12.3mV, EE of 91.3%, and sustained DCR release of 53% over 24 hours. The final DCR-loaded HA–curcumin gel exhibited a smooth and homogeneous texture with a pH of 6.4 ± 0.1, viscosity of 32,500 ± 500cps, and high drug content uniformity. In vitro release studies demonstrated controlled release of both drugs, with 65.4 ± 2.1% of curcumin and 48.7 ± 1.9% of DCR released over 24 hours. Conclusion: The developed DCR-loaded HA-curcumin gel demonstrated favourable physicochemical characteristics, high EE, and sustained, controlled drug release. The incorporation of HA enhanced drug retention, hydration, and stability, contributing to prolonged therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that the formulation has strong potential as a biocompatible topical treatment for arthritis, although further in vivo and clinical studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety. Major Findings: The optimised DCR-loaded hyaluronic acid vesicles (F7) showed high entrapment efficiency, favourable physicochemical properties, and sustained drug release. The final HA-Curcumin gel demonstrated suitable stability, uniformity, and controlled dual-drug release, indicating strong potential as a topical arthritis treatment.