Formulation and Evaluation of Ocular Inserts Containing Berberine HCL and Curcumin

Objective: The purpose of this work was to develop an ocular insert for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: Nine formulations of ocular inserts were prepared by solvent casting method using different ratios of various well-known hydrophilic polymers such as Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), Pluronic F-68, Glycerine as a plasticizer, benzylkonium chloride as a preservative and distilled water as a solvent. These formulations were evaluated for mechanical properties like tensile strength, folding endurance. The physicochemical properties like surface pH, drug content, thickness, weight variation, percent moisture absorption was also evaluated. Results: Based on the evaluation, it was found that formulation F9 was highest tensile strength and lowest folding endurance. Formulation F8 posess highest folding endurance as well as good tensile strength. Conclusion: Based on results, it was selected as the optimized formulation. Keywords: Curcumin, Berberine Hcl, HPMC, PVA, Pluronic F-68, Glycerine.