Fenugreek gum derivatives with improved bioadhesion and controlled drug release: In vitro and in vivo characterization

The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize an amine derivative of fenugreek gum and to evaluate its potential in the formulation of bioadhesive drug delivery systems. Vaginal films comprising varying concentrations of the polymer (aminated fenugreek gum or fenugreek gum) and plasticizer (glycerol) were prepared by solvent casting. The films were evaluated for their physical, mechanical, interfacial and bioadhesive properties. Aminated fenugreek gum films were found to display higher bioadhesive strength as compared to native gum films. The films were also evaluated for their potential to deliver the antifungal drug ‘nystatin’ for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. The investigated films were found to show complete drug release within 8 h. An optimized formulation was efficacious against the Candida strain as evidenced by the appearance of a zone of inhibition in agar disc diffusion studies. Histopathological studies also revealed that intra-vaginal administration of drug loaded aminated fenugreek gum films (in rats) was able to treat vaginal candidiasis. Overall, the study indicates that aminated fenugreek gum could be a promising candidate for designing of bioadhesive drug delivery systems.

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