Formulation of Curcumin-based Polyherbal Nanoemulsion Mouthwash and Assessment of its Antioxidant and in-vitro Cytotoxic Properties

Abstract

Curcumin is a hydrophobic compound with excellent antibacterial and antioxidative properties but it exhibits poor bioavailability which limits its therapeutic value. Nano emulsion (NE) is a modern drug delivery system that can accommodate the poor bioavailability and solubility of hydrophobic curcumin. The objective of this study was to formulate curcumin-based polyherbal NE mouthwash (Cur-polyherbal NE) and evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The NE formulations were prepared using glyceryl monooleate (GMO), Pluronic F-127, virgin coconut oil (VCO) and distilled water. Physiochemical characterisation of Cur-polyherbal NE was performed based on FTIR and dynamic light scattering analyses, and their stability at different temperatures was also determined. The antioxidant activity of formulations was evaluated using DPPH scavenging assay, and their in-vitro cytotoxicity was investigated on HEK293 cells. This study demonstrates that the antioxidant activity of Cur-polyherbal NE formulation was superior compared to corresponding non-NE formulation (p < 0.05). In-vitro cytotoxicity performed on HEK293 cells revealed better % cell viability in dose-dependent manner. The promising antioxidant activity and non-toxicity on HEK293 cells of Cur-polyherbal NE may suggest its potential use as safer mouthwash alternative