Potential of a Gastroretentive Curcuma Extract Formulation Based on Alginate–Chitosan Film with HPMC Addition as an Immunostimulant for Tuberculosis Patients

Background: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, with Indonesia ranking second among countries with the highest TB burden. Patients with TB often exhibit impaired cellular immune responses, including reduced macrophage and T-cell activity and cytokine imbalance, which hinder the elimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Host-directed therapy has emerged as a promising adjunctive approach to enhance immune responses. Curcuma extract, rich in curcumin, possesses immunostimulatory properties, while a gastroretentive drug delivery system can prolong gastric residence time and provide sustained release of the active compounds. Objective: This study aims to develop a gastroretentive formulation of dried Curcuma extract in the form of an alginate–chitosan film with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as an immunostimulant for tuberculosis. Methods: This experimental study will formulate and characterize the alginate–chitosan film containing dried Curcuma extract. The formulation will be evaluated for its physicochemical properties, gastroretentive performance, and in vitro drug release. Immunostimulatory activity will be assessed in vivo by measuring tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels. Results and Discussion : The results showed that F5 (alginate–chitosan 2:1 + HPMC 250 mg) exhibited the best characteristics, with a film thickness of 0.55 ± 0.02 mm, expansion of 82.35 ± 4.51%, swelling of 84.70 ± 4.52%, and bioadhesive strength of 72.4 ± 4.2 mN. ELISA analysis showed increased TNF-α and IL-2 levels, with the highest levels observed at a Curcuma dose of 400 mg/kg body weight, reaching 671.25 ± 29.18 and 724.65 ± 31.42 pg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The Curcuma gastroretentive film has potential as an adjunct immunomodulator in tuberculosis therapy and may be further developed as a gastroretentive drug delivery system.