Development and Evaluation of Curcumin-loaded Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems against Candida albicans in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Abstract

Candidiasis, primarily caused by Candida albicans, poses a significant public health concern. The rising resistance to first-line antifungal azoles necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies. Curcumin, known for its potent antifungal and antibacterial activities, suffers from limited bioavailability and solubility, prompting the exploration of stable formulations. This study aimed to develop and assess self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) formulations of curcumin for their antifungal properties against C. albicans isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Eighty samples from suspected VVC cases were processed, identifying 17 (21.25%) positive for C. albicans, including two fluconazole-resistant strains. Twenty SEDDS were prepared, with the top six selected based on visual assessment. Physicochemical attributes, including zeta potential, mean droplet size, and polydispersity index (PDI), were evaluated. Antifungal activities were assessed via well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Among the 80 samples processed, 17 (21.25%) tested positive for C. albicans, including two strains identified as fluconazole-resistant and 15 as susceptible. The physicochemical evaluation of Cu-SEDDSs revealed differences in mean droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The zone of inhibition for fluconazole-susceptible strains ranged from 21-26 mm, while resistant strains exhibited 14-21 mm. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.98 µg/ml to 7.8 µg/ml for susceptible strains and 3.9 µg/ml to 7.8 µg/ml for resistant strains. Cu-SEDDS formulations demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity, with comparable MIC values for both strains. These formulations exhibited superior fungicidal effects compared to unmodified curcumin, suggesting their potential as effective antifungal agents.