The aim of the present work was to compare the wound healing efficacy of different topical dosage forms such as β cyclodextrin complex gel, liposomal gel, and ointment on the rat model. Simvastatin was used as a drug, β cyclodextrin was used as a complexing agent to enhance solubility, L α Phosphatidylcholine as a phospholipid, and cholesterol as a stabilizing agent. Liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method, β cyclodextrin complexes of simvastatin were prepared by spray drying technique, and the ointment was prepared in simple method. Beta cyclodextrin gels and liposomal gels were prepared by direct incorporation of spray-dried products and lyophilized liposomes into Carbopol gel. The gel was evaluated for drug content, particle size, viscosity, spreadability, surface morphology, in-vitro drug release studies, skin irritation study, and wound healing activity studies. FTIR and DSC studies showed no chemical interaction between the drug and excipients. The particle size of β cyclodextrin complexes was in the range of 0.5 μm to 2.5 μm and for liposomes 163 nm to 725 nm. The in-vitro drug release was 96.7 % at the end of the sixth hour for β cyclodextrin gel, 29.7 % at the end of the sixth hour for liposomal gel, and 96.2 % at the end of 3 hours for ointment. Wound healing activity studies were carried out for 21 days on albino wrister rats, a period of epithelization, and rate of wound contraction was measured on 4, 8, 14, 16, and 21 days. Simvastatin ointment showed a significant effect on wound healing in the rat model compared to β-cyclodextrin gel and liposomal gel. Hence, Simvastatin ointment could be a potential dosage form for clinical utility on wound healing.
Book Review: “In Vitro Drug Release Testing of Special Dosage Forms,” Advances in Pharmaceutical Technology Series, Edited by Fotaki and Klein
