Development and characterisation of semisolid systems to deliver propolis in the oral cavity

Abstract

Pharmaceutical formulations containing poloxamer 407 (P407), Carbopol 934P (C934P) or gelatin (GELA), with ethanolic propolis extract (PE), were designed for the treatment of oral mucosal diseases. PE was produced and its quality was assessed by measuring its specific gravity, pH, weight of dry residue and total flavonoid content. Monopolymeric and binary polymeric formulations were prepared and their gelling temperature (Tsol/gel), pH, continuous flow rheology and mucoadhesion were studied. PE exhibited good quality and the formulations were easy to prepare and showed a wide range of consistency. Most of the formulations showed thermoresponsive behaviour and only those containing 15% P407, plus 0.20% C934P or 1.0 % GELA, displayed Tsol/gel suitable for application to the oral mucosa. Monopolymeric formulations, containing C934P or GELA, and binary formulations exhibited pseudoplastic flow and low degrees of thixotropy. Monopolymeric formulations containing P407 exhibited pseudoplastic flow and rheopexy. The mucoadhesive properties of the systems could not be assessed. Fragments of formulation were found to remain stuck to parts of the mucin disc, owing to cohesive failure of the samples and of the sample/mucin interface. The data obtained on these formulations indicate a potentially useful role in the treatment of oral mucosal diseases.