Development and evaluation of topical films containing phytoestrogenic diaryheptanoids from Curcuma comosa extract

Abstract

Rational: Phytoestrogens have been found to delay signs of skin aging in post-menopausal women, in a way similar to the effects of estrogens. Diarylheptanoids from a rhizome of traditional Thai herb named Curcuma comosa is considered to be a novel class of phytoestrogens.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to prepare effective topical films using mixed types and vary ratios of hydrophobic (Eudragit RL, Eudragit RS, and Eudragit NE) and hydrophilic polymer (hydroxylpropyl methycellulose, HPMC) with Transcutol as a permeation enhancer for delivery of diarylheptanoids to improve signs of skin aging in post-menopausal women.

Material and methods: Topical films were characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. In vitro release, skin permeation and accumulation were evaluated using Franz diffusion cell and the concentrations of diarylheptanoids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: The combined formulations between HPMC and Eudragit NE showed the satisfactory physical and mechanical properties, and also provided the highest amount of drug released compared to Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS. When the proportion of HPMC amount in the polymer matrix increased, the cumulative drug release also increased (HPMC: Eudragit NE 6:4 > 5:5 > 4:6). Moreover, they provided a high accumulation of diarylheptanoids within skin when using transcutol as a permeation enhancer.

Conclusion: The obtained data provided the skin permeation and accumulation behavior of diarylheptanoids, indicating the feasibility of a skin delivery of the C. comosa extract. The developed films might be topically used as an alternative therapy for protection of skin aging in peri and post-menopausal women.

Keywords:

• Curcuma comosa
• diarylheptanoids
• topical film
• skin aging
• phytoestrogen

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products (CRD-HHP) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University for the facilities, Evonik Rohm GmbH (Darmstadt, Germany) for supporting Eudragit^®, and 3M for supporting 3M CoTran™ 9718 backing and 3M Scotchpak™ 1022 release liner.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research was financially supported by the Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dr. Sarunya Tuntiyasawasdikul received scholarship under the Post-Doctoral Program from Research Affairs and Graduate School, Khon Kaen University [58112].