Int J Curr Pharm Res, Vol 12, Issue 5, 15-19Original Article


FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CELECOXIB CREAM AND ITS RELEASED STUDY

SADIA ANWAR2, SYED UMER JAN1, RAHMAN GUL1,2*

1Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan, 2Health Department Government of Balochistan
Email: gul.dotani@yahoo.com

Received: 13 Jun 2020, Revised and Accepted: 16 Aug 2020


ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to formulate and evaluate of Celecoxib cream and it’s in vitro release study.

Methods: The release study was conducted, using dialysis cellulose membrane, in Franz cells. The donor chamber was filled with phosphate buffer pH 7.4, released medium were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 250 nm. Kinetics model was used for calculations. The cream was followed by different evaluations like pH measurement, homogeneity, spreadability, stability study, drug content, SEM, XRD studies and skin irritation test was used for the reliability of physical conditions and chemical relation. DD solver and SPSS were used for statistical analyzation of the data.

Results: The best in vitro drug release profile achieved with thyme oil in Celecoxib cream. Formulation F2 showed the highest (83%) released. The results of the Celecoxib (1%) were suitable in all constraints. The prepared Celecoxib cream was encouraging for the formulation of transdermal drug delivery.

Conclusion: The Celecoxib cream was successfully prepared and could be beneficial for transdermal drug delivery.

Keywords: Celecoxib, Cream, Carbopol 980, Thymol oil, In vitro studies


INTRODUCTION

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a well define a therapeutic system that delivers for the surface region with a programmed quantity of the drug at a predetermined rate of intact, healthy skin. Under this system, drugs would be provided systemically at a conventional rate and time period and can be extended while sustaining the rate. Therefore, this system of delivering drugs is very helpful in reducing the numerous problems connected with oral treatments like hepatic metabolism at the first level impulsive bioavailability, enhanced first pass, dose inflexibility, residence time at comparatively shorter, dose dumping [1].

At proscribed rate transdermal drug delivery system give an incessant drug percutaneous administration, which allows in systematic circulation eradication of pulse entry, the side effect usually associated with this phenomenon because it permits the termination of medication absorption in therapy that is necessary to be intermittent.

Drug delivery system is designed for therapeutic efficiency, reduce toxicity, to maintain plasma drugs level at a suitable rate through intact skin at a suitable place [2].

The research findings build up a revolutionary theory over a resistant skin barrier, which persuaded many researchers to establish a rate-controlled drug delivery system which mange transdermal drugs to accomplish the purpose of systemic medication. SKIN with a large surface area covering the body, layered anatomy and defined physicochemical properties are the site of drug administration in case of TDDS depends on the solid nature in the inner phase and on the type emulsion either oil in water/in oil [3].

The research had been conducted on the formulation of topical Ericoid cream. The research had been proclaimed the association of oral administration with the gastrointestinal relater toxicities in the formulation of topical Etoricoxib cream. As Celecoxib was an extremely discerning cyclooxygenase‐2 (cox‐2) inhibitor like Etoricoxib. Therefore, the current research aims were preparing the Celecoxib Cream by using an active combination of different ingredient. In vitro evaluation incorporated, pH, Stability studies, spread ability, Viscosity, were applied to access the effectiveness rheological properties of the prepared cream, furthermore cell diffusion study skin irritation study and the anti‐inflammatory formulation of the cream was evaluated. It was encouraging for the formulation of a topical cream containing Celecoxib, with cyclooxygenase‐2 (cox‐2) inhibitor [4].

Cream preparation contained a semisolid dosage of one or more drug ingredients spread or dissolved in a suitable base. This period usually has been functional to semisolids that possess a comparatively soft, spreadable uniformity formulated emulsions as moreover water-in-oil or oil-in-water. Though freshly the period has been controlled to the products involving emulsion oil-in-water or aqueous microcrystalline diffusions of long-chain alcohol or fatty acids that are washable water, additional aesthetically and cosmetically suitable. The vehicle as waxes, 50%, hydrocarbons, or polyols. The vehicle known as use for Ointment bases decreases into four general classes [5].

Celecoxib Iannone-Steroidal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX) inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in the case of COX-2 enzyme inhibition it exhibits Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic action and analgesic action. In musculoskeletal disorders management of pharmacology. Celecoxib has recognized the worth in Clinical experiment of Celecoxib in acute spondylitis, gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing, Osteoarthritis, dysmenorrheal, pain in the lower back. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) term was explained in 1859 by “Sir Alfred Baring Garrod”. RA is a chronic disease that becomes the cause of swelling, pain, stiffness in joints and can cause disabilities and have a negative socioeconomic impact [6].

Celecoxib and other COX-2 selective inhibitors, mavacoxib, parecoxib, and valdecoxib, were discovered by a crew at the Searle partition of Monsanto by John.

Fig. 1: Celecoxib structural formula

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemicals

Celecoxib, Triethanolamine, Sorbian monooleate (Tween 80), Propylparaben, polyoxymethylene (80), thymol oil, Cetostearyl Alcohol, liquid paraffin, white petrolatum, Carbopol 980 NF polymer, De-ionized water and glycerin.

Equipment’s

UV-Spectrophotometer double beam (Shimadzu 1601), pH meter (JENWAY 3510), Digital weighing balance (Sartorius), Auto Reverse Magnetic Stirrer (Gallen Kamp “Registered Trade Mark”) made of England, Franz diffusion Cell, Hot plate and Stirrer (JENWAY 1000), Programmable Rheometer, XRD, Water distillation apparatus (AUTOSTIU Freshman-4), Tewa meter SEM, Refrigerator, Oven and incubator,Conical flask 50-100 ml, Glass beaker 50-100 ml, Pipette 10 ml, Amber colored glass jar, aluminum foil and White-colored glass.

Celecoxib calibration curve

To establish Celecoxib standard curve, a solution in stock was come about in 10 mg of Celecoxib powder, dissolved in ethanol (50 ml) through the stirring of multiple minutes and accomplishing 100 ml volume in ethanol further diluted in phosphate buffer contains (pH 7.4). From the stock solution, dilutions were made as 0.003, 0.006, 0.009, 0.018 and 0.036 mg/ml. At 250 nm, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1601, Japan) was employed and absorbance of entire dilutions were analyzed. The graph for linearity is delineated in fig. 2.

Fig. 2: Calibration curve of celecoxib

Preparation of celecoxib cream

The formulation of Celecoxib cream followed the preparation formulation of the researcher Razi Ullah et al. [7]. 75 the heat was used for heating the aqueous and oil phases over a water bath in a beaker. Carbopol 980, Tween-80, White Petrolatum, Cetostearyl Alcohol and Liquid Paraffin was comprised in oil phase Glycerin, De-ionized water and Triethanolamine was composed in the aqueous phase

In the beginning, the speed was at homogenizer at 2000rpm for 20 min, with continuous stirring aqueous phase Dropwise added to the oil phase. After 20 min the speed was decreased to 1000 rpm of the homogenizer for a further 5-10 min. the speed of homogenization was further reduced to 500rpm during the last extended 5 min. in the process has resulted in the formulation of Celecoxib cream. As shown in table 1 [8].

Table 1: Formulation of celecoxib cream

S. No. Ingredients Composition

1

2

Celecoxib

Thyme oil

1g

1g

3 Cetostearyl Alcohol 10g
4 White Petrolatum 5g
5 Tween 80 8g
6 Liquid paraffin 5g
7 Carbopol 980 0.60g
8 Glycerin 6.0g
9 Triethanolamine 1.5g
10 De-ionized water 62g

Evaluation of celecoxib cream

Physical evaluation of cream

The physical evaluation would include studies of In vitro drug diffusion, pH determination, Spreadability, homogeneity on Celecoxib cream. 

Determination of pH

For measurement of pH in the formulation of Celecoxib cream Digital pH meter was used. The pH buffer solution was used for calibration [9].

Spreadability

The spread ability experiment was accomplished by two glass slides. A cream is sandwiched in between these glass slides. In this procedure 0.5g formulation was kept above the first glass slide and 10g was kept on the second slide until no further probable spreading. The diameter of escalated circle was measured and defined as spread ability proportional values [10-12].

Analytical method

The standard weight of the solution is prepared by dissolving the exact weight of ethanol in 50 mg of Celecoxib properly balanced on an analytical balance and solvent mixed in a volumetric flask. The formulated solution is than filtered by membrane filter. Then absorbent of solution is checked by taking it to UV visible spectrophotometer. A Sample of 100 ml volume solution is prepared by dissolving ethanol in 5g of the Celecoxib cream. Later the solution is filtered and 50 ml ethanol is made by taking 1 ml of the solution. Absorbance of the solution is measured at 250 nm [13, 14].

Skin irritation study

In Skin irritation study the formulated Celecoxib cream has practical over the smooth-shaven skin of the rabbit in the area of nearly 6 cm2for an hour and patch of semi-occlusive gauze was used for protecting. After the experimental duration the skin of the rabbit was checked by removing cream from the skin and it was found clear and in harmful. For further verification the same experiment was repeated regularly 7 d for an hour and all observed reactions had recorded (table 2) [15].

SEM

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied for tropical Celecoxib cream surface morphology. The shape, morphology and size of the particles was checked and described by SEM studies were done. In the measurement process of SEM adhesive double-sided tape was used for attaching the prepared formulation on the metal stub. The formulation was passed through a vacuum chamber for drying and then 10 nm thick gold layer was used for sputter-coating and observed in SEM high resolution. (JSM-840, Joel Instrument, Tokyo, Japan) [16].

XRD

The technique rapidly used for analyzing powder diffraction is X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD is one of an indispensable technique for quality control, crystalline material phase identification and classification of materials. Through XRD information is generated on unit cell dimension. For pure drug and physical mixture comparison, power XRD studies display samples. To investigate Celecoxib amorphous nature and crystalline,5 to 50 °C X-rays diffractograms powdered were used at 2θ [17].

In vitro diffusion studies procedure

Franz diffusion cell apparatus (Perm Gear, USA) was used to perform the procedure. The dialysis cellulose membrane has a 05 ml compartment between receptor and donor and held in the Franz diffusion cell apparatus. The receptor compartment chambers were filled with 5 ml pH 7.4 phosphate buffer and Celecoxib cream was used and the cream comprising 1.0 %, thyme oil. During the experiment the solvent temperature was stable at 37 °C The procedure was continued for twenty-four hrs with the gap at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h. From the cell receptor compartment, 1.0 ml sample was drawn out at predetermined time and immediately fill up with the same volume of buffer at 37 °C [18]. The withdrawn samples were filtered and the Celecoxib absorption was measured at 250 nm UV-visible spectrophotometer.

In vitro release kinetic studies of celcoxib cream

Through a spectroscopy technique, the impregnate quantity of drug was identified and calculated. At that instant when drug amount (mg) in the receptor medium (sample) was taken and observed (0-24 h). The linearity regression study and release criterion of the drug impregnation for every formula were evaluated. To determine the release of drug and impregnation of a drug by a dialysis celleolse membrane, correlation coefficient (r) was valued by calculations just to show the case of drug release and impregnation is a zero order, first order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, or follows Hixon-Crowell diffusion release model. This is done for each formula. Entire calculations were executed with respect to the subsequent kinetics equations accomplishing a validated software program, DDSolver for Microsoft Excel 2007 [18].

Model Equation
• Zero order Qt = Qo+Kot 1
• First order In Qt = lnQo+K1t 2
• Higuchi Qt = K H√t 3
• Korsmeyer-Peppas plot Mt/M∞ = Ktn 4
• Hixon-Crowell Qt/Qo=Kktn 5

Stability studies of celecoxib cream

Stability studies on the preparation of Celecoxib cream was continued and completed over 03 mo at 25±1 °C and 40±1 °C. The analyzation of the cream was done by UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and during 03 mo all the tests were done physically at every month such as pH measurement, homogeneity and Celecoxib cream formulation evaluation was done after 3 mo of topically prepared [19, 20].

Statistical analysis

The artificial cell membrane was analyzed by performing Anova test on SPSS Software. Different kinetic modes was used with DD solver for drug release kinetic for transdermal cream [19, 20].

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The pH, homogeneity, spreadability, drug content of celecoxib formulation and consistency were identified (table 2). The formulations were equivalent in aspect of their, liquefaction, color and further parameters were satisfying likewise pH. The formulations exhibited pH in between (5.1 and 6.2) compatible to pH examined in previous studies of formulations of Celecoxib cream topically with respect to normal human skin pH range (4.5 to 6.5) [18]. Spreadability and consistency were examined during a period of 90 d. Homogeneity was ensured with absence of lumps. Drug content of Celecoxib cream was in span of 98.10–99.11% and celecoxib cream has shown good existence of uniformity. Application of the gels to rabbit skin for 7 d resulted in no redness, lesions, or itching, indicating that they were not irritating to the skin. Total physical evaluated parameters suggest convenient results for transdermal application. By performing stability studies for 3 mo (90 d) at 25±1 °C and 40±1 °C results achieved were satisfying and ensured that Celecoxib cream is good enough at (25±1 °C). The end of 3 mo, it is also clearly seen from results of standard deviation that at 40 °C standard deviation is slightly greater and it was aside from normal and appropriate ranges whereas 25±1 °C standard deviation was smallest and it fell into sufficient range. So it arrived at a judgment that at 25±1 °C formulations predicts the standards required for preparation of Celecoxib cream, which is the matter of interest in extent stability studies. In this study, (dialysis cellulose membrane) were taken, statistically, it was observed that the membranes have good released. The formulation (F2) showed the maximum released (83%). This study is compatible with earlier works of Gul et al. [19] who gave a detailed account in words about the discharge of ephedrine in semi soild dosage forms. The data of each formulation was put to the first order as shown in table 3. Permeation model. Discharge of Celecoxib from the transdermal formulation, and its release through the membrane of cellulose, are delineated in fig. 3.

Table 2: Physical parameters values for celecoxib cream formulations

Celecoxib cream

formulations

Spreadability

(g. cm/s)

pH Skin irritation Homogeneity Drug content (%)
F1 4.4 5.2 NO Good 98.10
F2 4.8 5.9 NO Good 98.12
F3 4.7 6.2 NO Good 99.11
F4 5.2 5.8 NO Good 98.13
F5 5.4 6.3 NO Good 98.28

Fig. 3: Release of celecoxib cream 1% (W/V) via dialysis cellulose membrane

Table 3: Celecoxib release from the formulations by using dialysis cellulose based membrane

(R2) is the coefficient correlation
Formulation type Zero (0) order First (1st) order Higuchi Hixon-crowell Korsmeyer peppass Best-fitting model
F1 0.8790 0.9831 0.9276 0.9747 0.9630 First order
F2 0.8742 0.9912 0.94279 0.9845 0.9766 First order
F3 0.8446 0.9841 0.9384 0.9703 0.9609 First order
F4 0.8507 0.9848 0.9390 0.9732 0.9629 First order
F5 0.8151 0.9654 0.9302 0.9433 0.9462 First order

XRD studies

X-ray diffraction studies were applied to endorse chemical and physical properties of Celecoxib and Celecoxib cream fig. 4 (a), showed fine peaks of diffraction at a value of 13.51°, 17.23°, and 20.18° etc at an angle of 2θ. X-ray diffractograms are positioned in (fig. 4a) Showed crystalline nature of Celecoxib, while fig. 4(b) shows no peak of blank Celecoxib, which was reported by Sami et al. previously. In fig. (c) Celecoxib cream displayed peaks having minor intensity, while fused peaks were displayed in diffractograms of the Celecoxib cream. Irregular peaks of Celecoxib demonstrated that the drug changed into an amorphous type in cream with a molecularly discrete nature.

(a) (b)

(c)

Fig. 4: X-ray diffractograms of Celecoxib drug (a), blank cream (b) and Celecoxib cream formulation (c)

SEM

The surface morphology of the Celecoxib drug was studied under an electron microscope. Fig. 5(a) showed irregular shapes was observed under an electron microscope because the polymer used was water-soluble in nature. SEM results showed in fig. 5(b, c) that the drug used in cream, was almost the same and not affected in formulations.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Fig. 5: Displays polymeric cream-based surface morphology only (a), different magnification powers exhibits surface morphology of Celecoxib cream (b, c)

CONCLUSION

In this study, novel Celecoxib cream formulations as transdermal delivery were developed. Celecoxib as a component of the cream has a good affinity for the celleulose membrane, and thymol oil showed good enhancement of drug released in the dialysis cellulose membrane. The statistical data showed the formulations were physicochemically stable. An in vitro release studies significantly showed that the optimized formulations data together promote the suggestion that Celecoxib cream formulations showed potential novel delivery systems to improve the release and stability of Celecoxib

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are thankful to the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of Balochistan for providing laboratory facilities and Health Department, Government of Balochistan for their timely support to outright this research.

FUNDING

Nil

AUTHORS CONTRIBUTIONS

We submit a manuscript entitled: “Formulation and evaluation of celecoxib cream and its released study” author by Sadia Anwar, Syed Umer Jan and Rahman Gul for the consideration for the journal as a research paper in the journal Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. Sadia Anwar, Rahman Gul analyzed the laboratory work, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript. All authors are the guarantors

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

We have no conflict of interest for publication this paper. Authors have not received any funding.

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