Formulation of In-situ Thermoreversible Gel with Moringa oleifera Lam Extract as a Local Drug Delivery System for Adjunct Periodontal Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal disease is an outcome of a plethora of molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and oral microorganisms is managed by surgical or non surgical therapies with systemic antibiotics. However, local drug delivery system is known to augment the currently available therapies and improves prognosis. Although, there are several local drug delivery systems available, the search for an ideal agent with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties continues. Moringa oleifera Lam extracts is one such wonder plant with all the above mentioned effects. Aim: To formulate an in-situ thermoreversible gel with Moringa oleifera Lam extract that could be used as a local drug delivery system as an adjunct to periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology at Saveetha Dental College, from May 2022 to June 2022. For preparation of thermoreversible gel the 19% of thermogelling polymer poloxamer 407 (15% to 30%w/v) which the least concentration that demonstrates thermoreverisibility at 36°C and 0.2% which is the least concentration of mucoadhesive polymer carbapol 934 (0.2% to 0.5% w/v) which forms sol-gel transition and 5% aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera and cold deionised water were used. Surface pH, gelation temperature, syringeability, in-vitro drug release, stability, gelation time and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was done Results: The surface pH of the gel was 6.94±0.091 with a gelation temperature of 34°C±0.5. The gel was flowable with good stability and fast release of eight hours. The chemical components compatability study of Moringa oleifera Lam powder, thermoreversible gel without extract and thermoreversible gel with extract were subjected to FITR analysis. The spectral analysis showed no significant chemical interaction between the Moringa oleifera and thermoreversible gel. Conclusion: The study concluded that the thermoreversible gel with Moringa oleifera Lam extracts could be used as an adjunct for the management of periodontal disease with good bioavailability. However, future clinical studies have to be conducted to validate the results of the present study.