Nasotransmucosal Delivery of Curcumin-Loaded Mucoadhesive Microemulsions for Treating Inflammation-Related CNS Disorders.

Objectives: This investigation was aimed at designing an effective mucoadhesive microemulsion system to accomplish higher brain uptake of curcumin through intranasal route.

Materials And Methods: Mucoadhesive microemulsion of curcumin (MMEC) was developed using screened oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant by Box-Behnken design and was evaluated for mucoadhesion, stability, and naso-ciliotoxicity study. Comparative brain uptake of curcumin after nasal administration of MMEC and polycarbophil curcumin gel and intravenous administration of plain curcumin solution was studied by performing bio-distribution study in Swiss albino rats.