Formulation and performance evaluation of emulgel platform for combined skin delivery of curcumin and propolis

The environment can modify the physiology and body protective function of the skin. Propolis (PRP) and curcumin (CUR) possess important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and they can be administered in a combined way and using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Emulgels can control drug release due to the physicochemical properties of the gel and the emulsion. They constitute a good strategy for achieving an improved platform for the combined delivery of PRP and CUR. There are no other studies of emulgels composed of PRP and CUR and their performance as antimicrobial and skin healing using or not PDT. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Carbopol 934 P (C934P), 974 P (C974P) or polycarbophil (PC) on physicochemical stability, antioxidant activity, drug release profile, antimicrobial activity, and ex vivo skin permeation and retention of emulgels containing PRP and CUR. Formulations containing C974P or PC displayed improved stability and antioxidant activity. They displayed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and modified (extended) drug release, governed mainly by non-Fickian anomalous transport. C974P and PC resulted in improved emulgels for combined CUR and PRP delivery, allowing the drugs to cross the stratum corneum, and permeate the epidermis, reaching the dermis. The selected emulgels are candidates for further studies to prove their action and benefits to skin health.

Automated summary

The environment has the ability to modify the physiology and protective function of the skin. Combining propolis and curcumin with photodynamic therapy can provide important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Emulgels, which control drug release, can serve as an effective platform for delivering propolis and curcumin together. This study investigated the effects of different emulgels on stability, antioxidant activity, drug release, antimicrobial activity, and skin permeation and retention of propolis and curcumin. The formulations containing C974P or PC exhibited improved stability, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and modified drug release, making them good candidates for further research on their benefits to skin health.