Curcumin solid dispersion-loaded in situ hydrogels for local treatment of injured vaginal bacterial infection and improvement of vaginal wound healing

Abstract Objectives Injured vaginal infection is detrimental to women. A curcumin hydrogel was studied for local treatment of injured vaginal infection. Methods Curcumin solid dispersions (CSDs) were prepared from polyvinyl pyrrolidone and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and an X-ray diffraction method. An in situ hydrogel CSD hydrogel (CSDG) was prepared with CSD/poloxamers and characterized. In vitro curcumin release and antibacterial effects of CSDs, CSDGs and curcumin were compared. The therapeutic effect of the CSDGs and Lincomycin/Lidocaine Gel was explored after intravaginal administration on the injured rat vaginal infection models. Key findings Curcumin was amorphous in CSDs where curcumin rapidly released in simulated vaginal fluids. However, CSDGs showed sustained release. CSDGs quickly formed gels in the vagina. CSDGs showed high in vivo anti-Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus effect though weak in vitro effect. The recovery of vaginal microenvironment and improvement of intravaginal Lactobacillus growth may be the major reason. Furthermore, CSDGs remarkably improved vaginal wound healing by alleviating inflammation and restoring vaginal epidermal tissues compared with the Lincomycin/Lidocaine Gel. Conclusion CSDGs are a promising topical formulation for local treatment of vaginal bacterial infection and improvement of vaginal wound healing.