Formulation and performance evaluation of emulgel platform for combined skin delivery of curcumin and propolis.

The environmental can modify the physiology and body protective function of skin. Propolis (PRP) and curcumin (CUR) possess important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and they can be administered in the combined way and using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Emulgels can control the drug release due to the physicochemical properties of the gel and the emulsion. They constitute a good strategy for achieving an improved platform for combined delivery of PRP and CUR. There are no other studies of emulgels composed of PRP and CUR and their performance as antimicrobial and skin healing using or not PDT. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Carbopol 934P (C934P), 974P (C974P) or polycarbophil (PC) on physicochemical stability, antioxidant activity, drug release profile, antimicrobial activity, and ex vivo skin permeation and retention of emulgels containing PRP and CUR. Formulations containing C974P or PC displayed improved stability and antioxidant activity. They displayed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and modified (extended) drug release, governed mainly by non-Fickian anomalous transport. C974P and PC resulted in improved emulgels for combined CUR and PRP delivery, allow the drugs to cross the stratum corneum , and permeate the epidermis, reaching the dermis. The selected emulgels are candidates to further studies to prove their action and benefits to skin health.