Formulation and Evaluation of In-Situ Gel Containing Niacinamide and Curcumin for The Treatment of Mouth Ulcer

Abstract

Oral ulcers frequently affect the oral mucosa, leading to discomfort, swelling, and challenges with eating or talking. Traditional topical treatments like rinses, ointments, and pastes often fall short because they wash away quickly from the mouth. This research focused on creating and testing a temperature-sensitive in situ gel loaded with niacinamide and curcumin to better treat these ulcers. Niacinamide offers anti-inflammatory benefits and supports tissue repair, while curcumin provides antioxidant effects, fights microbes, and aids healing. The gel formed in place using a cold technique, incorporating poloxamer 407 and 188 for heat-triggered gelling, plus HPMC to boost thickness and adhesion to mucosal surfaces. Formulations underwent checks for traits like look, acidity (pH), gel firmness, ease of spreading, transition point from liquid to gel, and gelling reliability. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed no unwanted reactions between drugs and other ingredients. Formulation F3 stood out with ideal pH levels, balanced rigidity, smooth spread, and quick solidification near body temperature. Release tests across egg membrane showed steady drug delivery, reaching about 92% over 4 hours. It also reduced inflammation by blocking protein changes, scavenged free radicals effectively in DPPH and FRAP tests, and proved safe for cells in MTT studies on L929 lines. In summary, this niacinamide-curcumin gel shows strong physical and biological promise as a retained, efficient option for mouth ulcer relief.