(Copper-curcumin) β-cyclodextrin vaginal gel: Delivering a novel metal-herbal approach for the development of topical contraception prophylaxis

Chauhan Gaurav, Rath Goutam, Kesarkar N. Rohan, Kothari T. Sweta, Chowdhary S. Abhay, Goyal K. Amit

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Delivering a safe and effective topical vaginal contraceptive is the need of present era. We explored the potential of a metal (copper) and herbal moiety (curcumin) for this topical contraceptive prophylaxis. Complex of copper and curcumin (Cu-Cur) was synthesized and the concerns regarding its aqueous solubility was resolved by including it into the hydrophobic cavity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as (Cu-Cur)CD inclusion complex. Dose assessment was made on the basis of in-vitro spermicidal assays and cell cytotoxicity studies. Finally the (Cu-Cur)CD loaded vaginal gel was prepared, characterized and evaluated for in-vitro spermicidal activity and preclinical toxicity studies. Spectral and morphological characterizations confirmed the synthesis of (Cu-Cur) and (Cu-Cur)CD inclusion complex. Spermicidal assays and Hela cell cytotoxic data revealed an optimized 1.5% (Cu-Cur)CD for further studies. 1.5% w/w (Cu-Cur)CD loaded carbopol 974p gel provided 100% motility even at 2-fold dilution and preclinical toxicity studies in Rats and Rabbits revealed its highly safe profile. The hypothesis of considering metal-herbal complex and its cyclodextrin complex has worked and the well planned strategy of including it in (β-CD) cavity provided a preeminent platform for vaginal delivery. In-vitro assays and preclinical toxicity analysis confirmed its potential to be used as highly safe and effective prophylaxis.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)183-191
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Volume65
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 18 2014
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Generated from Scopus record by KAUST IRTS on 2023-10-12

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '(Copper-curcumin) β-cyclodextrin vaginal gel: Delivering a novel metal-herbal approach for the development of topical contraception prophylaxis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this