Cassava starch film loaded with extract of Piper betel leaf for anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract

The aim of the present research work was to formulate a transdermal film of Piper betel L. leaf extract along with diclofenac sodium and evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity. The ethanolic extract of P. betel leaf was obtained by solvent extraction method using a Soxhlet apparatus. The P. betel leaf extract was analysed for inhibition of the albumin denaturation and it showed a significant inhibition of the albumin denaturation. The topical film was then prepared by solvent casting method using diclofenac sodium and P. betel leaf extract. The film was evaluated for drug content, thickness, weight uniformity, folding endurance, moisture content, moisture uptake, and barrier properties of the film. The formulated film was thin, flexible, and possessed satisfactory physicochemical properties. The anti-inflammatory potential of the film was evaluated by using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method on albino Wistar rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of film was found comparable with standard diclofenac sodium film and exhibited inhibition of oedema within 4 h. This signifies that the combination of P. betel leaf extract and diclofenac sodium has remarkable potential to serve as synergistic topical anti-inflammatory film preparation than simple topical film formulation of diclofenac sodium.