Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation of Nutraceutical Effervescent Granules Containing Curcumin and Ascorbic Acid by Fusion Technique Using Full Factorial Design

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that curcumin has potent immunological activity in combination with ascorbic acid. Hence, research was carried out to formulate effervescent granules of curcumin and ascorbic acid as preventive measures for COVID-19. Thirteen formulas (F1 to F13) were prepared by applying 32 full factorial designs by applying the fusion method using Stat-Ease Design-Expert v7.0.0 software. Here, a complex of hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin and curcumin was prepared by lyophilization technique to improve the solubility of curcumin. Citric acid, tartaric acid, sodium bicarbonate, polyethylene glycol, and sorbitol were used in the formulation of effervescent granules. Evaluation studies were carried out for all 13 formulas, including compatibility study, flowability study and effervescence time. The results show that granules have excellent flow property with an appropriate bulk density and tapped density for the uniting dose. The FTIR study also indicates that there is no interaction between excipients. The effervescence time is less than 3 minutes for all the batches. Formula 4 shows the best effervescence. This research article covers the development of effervescent granules containing curcumin, which has antiviral properties (both through direct movement on viruses and through modulating the immune system). With the pandemic of coronavirus that we are facing, curcumin and ascorbic acid can provide us protection against COVID-19 by keeping our immunity up and protecting against the onslaught of infections.