Formulation and evaluation of fluconazole loaded oral strips for local treatment of oral candidiasis

Chitosan-Albumin Nanocomposite as a Promising Nanocarrier for Efficient Delivery of Fluconazole Against Vaginal Candidiasis

Currently, the high incidence of fungal infections among females has resulted in outstanding problems. Candida species is related with multidrug resistance and destitute clinical consequences. Chitosan-albumin derivatives with more stability exhibit innate antifungal and antibacterial effects that boost the activity of the drug without inflammatory impact. The stability and sustained release of Fluconazole in mucosal tissues can be ensured by encapsulating in protein/polysaccharide nanocomposites. Thus, we developed chitosan-albumin nanocomposite (CS-A) loaded with Fluconazole (Flu) antifungals against vaginal candidiasis. Various ratios of CS/Flu (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) were prepared. Thereafter, the CS-A-Flu nanocomposites were qualified and quantified using FT-IR, DLS, TEM, and SEM analytical devices, and the size range from 60 to 100 nm in diameter was attained for the synthesized nanocarriers. Afterward, the antifungal activity, biofilm reduction potency, and cell viability assay were performed for biomedical evaluation of formulations. The minimum inhibitory concentration) and minimum fungicidal concentration on Candida albicans were attained at 125 ng/μL and 150 ng/μL after treatment with a 1:2 (CS/Flu) ratio of CS-A-Flu. The biofilm reduction assay indicated that biofilm formation was between 0.05 and 0.1% for CS-A-Flu at all ratios. The MTT assay also exhibited excellent biocompatibility for samples, about 7 to 14% toxicity on human HGF normal cells. These data have indicated that CS-A-Flu would be a promising candidate against Candida albicans.

Nanoparticles assisted intra and transdermic delivery of antifungal ointment: an updated review

This review paper highlights the trans-dermic delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) based antifungal ointments with the help of nanotechnology. It also describes the novel trans-dermal approach utilizing various nanoparticles which enables an efficient delivery to the target site. This current review gives an overview about past research and developments as well as the current nanoparticle-based ointments. This review also presents data regarding types, causes of infection, and different pathogens within their infection site. It also gives information about antifungal ointments with their activity and side effects of antifungal medicines. Additionally, this review also focuses on the future aspects of the topical administration of nanoparticle-based antifungal ointments. These nanoparticles can encapsulate multiple antifungal drugs as a combination therapy targeting different aspects of fungal infection. Nanoparticles can be designed in such a way that they can specifically target fungal cells and do not affect healthy cells. Nanoparticle based antifungal ointments exhibit outstanding potential to treat fungal diseases. As further research and advancements evolve in nanotechnology, we expect more development of nanoparticle-based antifungal formulations shortly. This paper discusses all the past and future applications, recent trends, and developments in the various field and also shows its bright prospective in the upcoming years.

Oral disintegration films: applications and production methods

The use of orally disintegrating films (ODF) as a vehicle for the release of active compounds has drawn attention due to the advantages such as ease of swallowing, precise dosage, low thickness, flexibility, greater comfort and acceptability by the patient in relation to oral tablets, for do not require water for administration, it is ideal for people with difficulty in swallowing. In this review, recent advances in ODFs, their applications and production methods will be presented. The production of ODFs uses polymers, plasticizers and active compounds. Among the compounds added to the film that can affect its properties, the polymer used has a strong influence on the disintegration time and on the controlled release of active principles. Polymers used for the production of oral films must be non-toxic, have good wettability and spreadability, and may be of synthetic or natural origin. Regarding the methods used in the production of ODFs, those currently used are solvent evaporation and hot extrusion. However, one of the great challenges for the production of oral films is the scale up, from laboratory to industrial scale, as factors such as heating, mixing speed and temperatures can lead to changes in film quality. Recently, ODFs have been developed as carriers of natural compounds such as vitamins, phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Thus, it was found that orally disintegrating films are an alternative for the release of active compounds, different from those already existing, which justifies the growing interest in this type of film.

Determination of Mucoadhesion of Polyvinyl Alcohol Films to Human Intestinal Tissue

The absorption of drugs with narrow absorption windows in the upper small intestine can be improved with a mucoadhesive drug delivery system such as enteric films. To predict the mucoadhesive behaviour in vivo, suitable in vitro or ex vivo methods can be performed. In this study, the influence of tissue storage and sampling site on the mucoadhesion of polyvinyl alcohol film to human small intestinal mucosa was investigated. Tissue from twelve human subjects was used to determine adhesion using a tensile strength method. Thawing of tissue frozen at -20 °C resulted in a significantly higher work of adhesion (p = 0.0005) when a low contact force was applied for one minute, whereas the maximum detachment force was not affected. When the contact force and time were increased, no differences were found for thawed tissue compared to fresh tissue. No change in adhesion was observed depending on the sampling location. Initial results from a comparison of adhesion to porcine and human mucosa suggest that the tissues are equivalent.

Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Fast Dissolving Hydrogel Based Oral Thin Films Containing Pregabalin and Methylcobalamin

The oral availability of many drugs is problematic due to the pH of the stomach, enzymes, and first-pass effects through the liver. However, especially geriatric, pediatric, bedridden, or mentally handicapped patients and those with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing or chewing solid dosage forms. Oral Thin Films (OTFs) are one of the new drug delivery systems that can solve these problems. Pregabalin (PG) and Methylcobalamin (MC), which are frequently preferred for pain originating in the central nervous system, were brought together for the first time using OTF technology in this study. In this study, a quantification method for PG and MC was developed and validated simultaneously. Optimum formulations were selected with organoleptic and morphological controls, moisture absorption capacity, swelling capacity, percent elongation, foldability, pH, weight variability, thickness, disintegration time, and transparency tests on OTFs prepared by the solvent pouring method. Content uniformity, dissolution rate, determination of release kinetics, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, DSC, long-term stability, and cytotoxicity studies on the tongue epithelial cell line (SCC-9) were performed on selected OTFs. As a result, OTFs containing PG-MC, which are non-toxic, highly flexible, transparent, compatible with intraoral pH, with fast disintegration time (<30 s), and acceptable in taste and appearance, have been developed successfully.

Monolaurin-Loaded Gel-Like Microemulsion for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Treatment: Structural Characterisation and In Vitro Antifungal Property

Recently, monolaurin (ML) has received great interest due to its possible use as an alternative antifungal. However, the limited water solubility of ML is still a major obstacle to its formulation and application. Gel-like microemulsions are one of the promising carriers for low-water-solubility substances due to both the advantages of gels and microemulsions and may be applied for ML. In this study, ML was incorporated into gel-like microemulsions and evaluated for its physicochemical and antifungal properties. The results indicated that the properties of gel-like microemulsion changed after the incorporation of ML, suggesting that ML can induce the transition of internal structure. When simulating the oral cavity environment, changes in the microstructure were observed and depended on the times of dilution. The lamellar structure was formed at 1.5-2 times dilution. However, this structure was disrupted after dilution five times or more. The structural change following dilution was associated with the release profiles. After contacting the formulations with the medium, ML was promptly released, with the majority of ML being released within 2 h. Regarding the antifungal assay, the ML-loaded gel-like microemulsions decreased the survival of Candida albicans within 3 h, although ML was immediately released, suggesting that the ML-loaded in oil droplets required time to permeate through the fungal cell wall. Additionally, the gel-like microemulsions possessed acceptable stability after the temperature cycling test. Therefore, gel-like microemulsions can be a possible carrier for ML loading, and ML-loaded gel-like microemulsions may be applied as an alternative antifungal preparation in the future. Graphical abstract.

Fibrillated bacterial cellulose liquid carbene bioadhesives for mimicking and bonding oral cavity surfaces

Topical treatments for oral wounds and infections exhibit weak adhesion to wet surfaces which results in short retention duration (6-8 hours), frequent dosing requirement and patient incompatibility. To address these limitations, aqueous composites made of fibrillated bacterial cellulose and photoactive bioadhesives are designed for soft epithelial surfaces. The aqueous composites crosslink upon photocuring within a minute and exhibit a transition from viscous to elastic adhesive hydrogels. The light-cured composites have shear moduli mimicking oral mucosa and other soft tissues. The tunable adhesion strength ranges from 3 to 35 kPa on hydrated tissue-mimicking surfaces (collagen film). The results support the application of bacterial cellulose hydrogel systems for potential treatment of mucosal wounds.

In vitro evaluation of adhesion and mechanical properties of oral thin films

Oral drug delivery is often challenged with enzymatic degradation of drug molecules in the gastrointestinal tract and high first-pass metabolism, resulting in low bioavailability. Delivery of drug molecules via the oral cavity mucosa is considered a viable option to enhance bioavailability. One of the relatively new dosage forms for transmucosal drug delivery is the oral thin film (OTF) with mucoadhesive properties that offers several advantages over conventional dosage forms, including faster dissolution, higher patient compliance, and extended oral retention by reduced salivary washout. Mucoadhesive OTFs should have sufficient muco-adhesiveness as well as suitable mechanical properties for their best performance, thus such characterization is critical in the successful design and development of OTFs. However, there is currently no FDA or USP-recommended analytical procedure or standard available for evaluating adhesiveness and mechanical properties of mucoadhesive OTFs. Therefore, we aimed to develop a fast and reliable in vitro method capable of differentiating various OTFs in terms of their adhesive strengths using a texture analyzer. We found that an in vitro gel substrate composed of 4% w/v gellan gum and 2% w/v glycerin could be used to discriminate between the adhesive features of the tested film samples. Also, our studies show that the adhesion test parameters of 0.96 N target force, probe speed of 0.1 mm/s, holding time of 15 s, and conditioning medium volume of 200 μL while using the said substrate could successfully differentiate between the adhesion strength of the OTF samples. We further examined the film samples for their physicomechanical properties to obtain a tangible and practical range of mechanical values for pharmaceutical OTFs using the puncture test and folding endurance test. We found a breaking factor above 34.5 N/mm, elongation to puncture less than 5.55% and folding endurance of at least 50 folds can be used as a starting point when designing and manufacturing OTFs.

Current Status of Mucoadhesive Gel Systems for Buccal Drug Delivery

BACKGROUND

Buccal drug delivery is a fascinating research field. Gel-based formulations present potent characteristics as buccal systems since they have great physicochemical properties.

METHODS

Among the various gels, in situ gels are viscous colloidal systems consisting of polymers; when physiological conditions change (pH, temperature, ion activation), they are transformed into the gel phase. These systems can improve bioavailability. Other systems, such as nanogels or emulgels can also be applied for buccal delivery with promising results. Polymeric gel-based systems can be produced by natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic polymers. Their main advantage is that the active molecules can be released in a sustained and controllable manner. Several gels based on chitosan are produced for the entrapment of drugs demonstrating efficient retention time and bioavailability due to chitosan mucoadhesion. Besides polysaccharides, poloxamers and carbopol are also used in buccal gels due to their high swelling ability and reversed thermal gelation behavior.

RESULTS

Herein, the authors focused on the current development of mucoadhesive gel systems used in buccal drug delivery. After explaining buccal drug delivery and mucoadhesion, various studies with hydrogels, in situ gels, and nanogels were analyzed as buccal gel systems. Various mucoadhesive gel studies with mucoadhesive polymers have been studied and summarized. This review is presented as valuable guidance to scientists in formulating buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.

CONCLUSION

This review aimed to assist researchers working on buccal drug delivery by summarizing buccal drug delivery, mucoadhesion, and buccal mucoadhesive gel systems recently found in the literature.

Chlorhexidine Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablets: The Impact of Formulation Design on Drug Delivery and Release Kinetics Using Conventional and Novel Dissolution Methods

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a mucosal infection caused by Candida spp., and it is common among the immunocompromised. This condition is mainly treated using oral antifungals. Chlorhexidine (CHD) is a fungicidal and is available as a mouth wash and oral gel. It is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of OPC due to the low residence time of the current formulations. In this study, its activity was tested against C. albicans biofilm and biocompatibility with the HEK293 human cell line. Then, it was formulated as mucoadhesive hydrogel buccal tablets to extend its activity. Different ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), poloxamer 407 (P407), and three different types of polyols were used to prepare the tablets, which were then investigated for their physicochemical properties, ex vivo mucoadhesion, drug release profiles, and the kinetics of drug release. The release was performed using Apparatus I and a controlled flow rate (CFR) method. The results show that CHD is biocompatible and effective against Candida biofilm at a concentration of 20 µg/mL. No drug excipient interaction was observed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The increase in P407 and polyol ratios showed a decrease in the swelling index and an increase in CHD in vitro release. The release of CHD from the selected formulations was 86-92%. The results suggest that chlorhexidine tablets are a possible candidate for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis.

p-Coumaric acid loaded into liquid crystalline systems as a novel strategy to the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an extremely common type of vaginal infection, which is mainly caused by Candida albicans. However, non-albicans Candida species are frequently more resistant to conventional antifungal agents and can represent up to 30% of cases. Due to side effects and increasing antifungal resistance presented by standard therapies, phenolic compounds, such as p-coumaric acid (p-CA), have been studied as molecules from natural sources with potential antifungal activity. p-CA is a poorly water-soluble compound, thus loading it into liquid crystals (LCs) may increase its solubility and effectiveness on the vaginal mucosa. Thereby, here we propose the development of mucoadhesive liquid crystalline systems with controlled release of p-CA, for the local treatment of VVC. Developed LCs consisted of fixed oily and aqueous phases (oleic acid and cholesterol (5:1) and poloxamer dispersion 16%, respectively), changing only the surfactant phase components (triethanolamine oleate (TEA-Oleate) or triethanolamine (TEA), the latter producing TEA-Oleate molecules when mixed with oleic acid). Systems were also diluted in artificial vaginal mucus (1:1 ratio) to mimic the vaginal environment and verify possible structural changes on formulations upon exposure to the mucosa. From the characterization assays, p-CA loaded TEA-Oleate systems presented mucoadhesive profile, liquid crystalline mesophases, well-organized structures and pseudoplastic behaviour, which are desirable parameters for topical formulations. Moreover, they were able to control the release of p-CA throughout the 12 h assay, as well as decrease its permeation into the vaginal mucosa. p-CA showed antifungal activity in vitro against reference strains of C. albicans (SC5314), C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and C. krusei (ATCC 6258), and exhibited higher eradication of mature biofilms than amphotericin B and fluconazole. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the formulations reduced the presence of filamentous forms in the vaginal lavages and provided an improvement in swelling and redness present in the mice vaginal regions. Altogether, here we demonstrated the potential and feasibility of using p-CA loaded liquid crystalline systems as a mucoadhesive drug delivery system for topical treatment of VVC.

Current status and future of delivery systems for prevention and treatment of infections in the oral cavity

Oral health reflects the general health, and it is fundamental to well-being and quality of life. An infection in the oral cavity can be associated with serious complications in human health. Local therapy of these infections offers many advantages over systemic drug administration, targeting directly to the diseased area while minimizing systemic side effects. Specialized drug delivery systems into the oral cavity have to be designed in such a fashion that they resist to the aqueous environment that is constantly bathed in saliva and subject to mechanical forces. Additionally, a prolonged release of drug should also be provided, which would enhance the efficacy and also decrease the repeated dosing. This review is aimed to summarize the current most relevant findings related to local drug delivery of various drug groups for prevention and treatment of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal) and infection-related manifestations in the oral cavity. Current therapeutic challenges in regard to effective local drug delivery systems will be discussed, and the recent approaches to overcome these obstacles will be reviewed. Finally, future prospects will be overviewed to promote novel strategies that can be implemented in clinical management for prevention and treatment of oral infections.

Poloxamer-188 and d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate (TPGS-1000) Mixed Micelles Integrated Orodispersible Sublingual Films to Improve Oral Bioavailability of Ebastine; In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

Orodispersible sublingual films (OSFs) composed of hydrophilic polymers were loaded with poloxamer-188 and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS-1000) mixed micelles to improve the oral bioavailability of a poorly soluble drug, ebastine (EBT). Mixed micelles formed by thin-film hydration method were incorporated into orodispersible sublingual film, consisting of HPMC and glycerol, using solvent casting technique. The mixed micelles and films were thoroughly evaluated for physicochemical characterization (size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, thickness, weight, surface pH studies, disintegration time, swelling indices, mechanical properties, FTIR, PXRD, DSC, SEM, AFM, in vitro drug release, in vivo bioavailability, and toxicological studies). The results showed that the average particle size of mixed micelles was 73 nm. The mean zeta potential and PDI of the optimal mixed micelles formulation were -26 mV and 0.16, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum entrapment efficiency 82% was attained. The film's disintegration time was in the range of 28 to 102 s in aqueous media. The integrity of micelles was not affected upon incorporation in films. Importantly, the micelles-loaded films revealed rapid absorption, high permeability, and increased bioavailability of EBT as compared to the pure drug. The existence of ebastine loaded mixed micelles in the films enhanced the bioavailability about 2.18 folds as compared to pure drug. Further, the results evidently established in-vitro and in-vivo performance of bioavailability enhancement, biocompatibility, and good safety profile of micelles-loaded orodispersible EBT films. Finally, it was concluded that film loaded with poloxamer-188/TPGS-1000 mixed micelles could be an effective carrier system for enhancing the bioavailability of ebastine.

Oral Gel Loaded by Fluconazole‒Sesame Oil Nanotransfersomes: Development, Optimization, and Assessment of Antifungal Activity

Candidiasis is one of the frequently encountered opportunistic infections in the oral cavity and can be found in acute and chronic presentations. The study aimed to develop fluconazole-loaded sesame oil containing nanotransfersomes (FS-NTF) by the thin-layer evaporation technique to improve the local treatment of oral candidiasis. Optimization of the formulation was performed using the Box‒Behnken statistical design to determine the variable parameters that influence the vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, zone of inhibition, and ulcer index. Finally, the formulated FS-NTF was embedded within the hyaluronic acid‒based hydrogel (HA-FS-NTF). The rheological behavior of the optimized HA-FS-NTF was assessed and the thixotropic behavior with the pseudoplastic flow was recorded; this is desirable for an oral application. An in vitro release study revealed the rapid release of fluconazole from the HA-FS-NTF. This was significantly higher when compared with the fluconazole suspension and hyaluronic acid hydrogel containing fluconazole. Correspondingly, the ex vivo permeation was also found to be higher in HA-FS-NTF in sheep buccal mucosa (400 μg/cm²) when compared with the fluconazole suspension (122 μg/cm²) and hyaluronic acid hydrogel (294 μg/cm²). The optimized formulation had an inhibition zone of 14.33 ± 0.76 mm and enhanced antifungal efficacy for the ulcer index (0.67 ± 0.29) in immunocompromised animals with Candida infection; these findings were superior to those of other tested formulations. Hence, it can be summarized that fluconazole can effectively be delivered for the treatment of oral candidiasis when it is entrapped in a nanotransfersome carrier and embedded into cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel.

Bilayer mucoadhesive buccal films with prolonged release of ciclopirox olamine for the treatment of oral candidiasis: In vitro development, ex vivo permeation testing, pharmacokinetic and efficacy study in rabbits

The incidence of fungal infections has increased in recent decades not only in patients with predisposing and risk factors, but it has also spread up due to the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. A limited number of drugs are currently used to treat oral candidiasis (OC). There is an emerging need to look for new antifungals, to rework or to explore the already known molecules. Ciclopirox olamine (CPX), a broad-spectrum antifungal agent, is currently used for topical dermatologic treatment. In this study, bilayer mucoadhesive buccal films (MBFs) containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and Eudragit® NM 30D (EU) with the prolonged release of ciclopirox olamine, were developed for the treatment of oral candidiasis. During ex vivo testing it was found that CPX does not pass through the porcine buccal tissue but it accumulates in it, which may be beneficial for the treatment of candidiasis in the oral cavity. In a pharmacokinetic study, the drug release from mucoadhesive films was prolonged with the maximum plasma concentration at 3.4 (1.4; 5.5) h. All rabbits with stomatitis showed progressive healing after the treatment with CPX bilayer mucoadhesive buccal films without organ pathologies.

Amorphous Solid Dispersion Based Oral Disintegrating Film of Ezetimibe: Development and Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-lowering agent with an oral bioavailability of 50% by virtue of its poor solubility and extensive hepatic and intestinal metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to overcome low bioavailability issues of ezetimibe by formulating an oral disintegrating film.

METHODS

The low solubility of ezetimibe was undertaken, preparing solid dispersions using mannitol, β-cyclodextrin, and urea. The mannitol solid dispersion assimilated oral disintegrating film was prepared and optimized using 2³ factorial design, where the concentration of film formers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (K5& K15) (X1and X2) and super disintegrant, sodium starch glycolate (X3) was used as factors on the response disintegration time (Y). The films were evaluated for physical properties, time of disintegration, and drug release profiles.

RESULTS

Mannitol solid dispersion (1:2 ratio) based on the superior drug content, solubility and in vitro release profile was preferred in film formation. The low crystalline nature of the solid dispersion was very evident by the absence of prominent peaks in the X-Ray diffraction pattern and the reduced peak intensity of melting endotherms. The correlation coefficient (R2) and statistical parameter analysis of variance specify the implication of linear factors on responses, which is apparent from confidence intervals (P-values) less than 0.05. The in vitro release profile of all the eight formulations (F1-F8) in a phosphate buffer solution of pH 6.8 revealed a significant increment in comparison to ezetimibe.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that the formulation approach could overcome the biopharmaceutical challenge of solubility as well as low bioavailability issues of ezetimibe.

In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assessment of buccal permeation of drugs from delivery systems

Introduction: Buccal mucosa has been described as an attractive site for local and systemic drug delivery, owing its accessibility, safety, and excellent blood supply. The absorption of drugs through buccal mucosa has been assessed by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro permeability studies, using animal and cell-based models with close resemblance to the human buccal mucosa.Areas covered: This paper focuses on the current in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro permeability studies to analyze the absorption of compounds of interest through buccal mucosa, as well as their advantages and limitations in the preclinical studies of the drugs absorption profiles. The techniques for preparation and preservation of the animal buccal tissue are also discussed to evaluate their interference in the integrity and permeability of the tissues.Expert opinion: Overall, the permeability studies have been useful to evaluate the drugs absorption and to clarify the mechanism of transport of drugs across human buccal mucosa, as well as to explain the enhancement of permeability provided by certain dosage forms. Currently, several researchers have demonstrated particular interest in ex vivo permeability studies, due to their effectiveness in the evaluation of drug absorption and low costs in the acquisition of buccal mucosa samples.

Mucoadhesive In Situ Gelling Liquid Crystalline Precursor System to Improve the Vaginal Administration of Drugs

The vaginal mucosa is a very promising route for drug administration due to its high permeability and the possibility to bypass first pass metabolism; however, current vaginal dosage forms present low retention times due to their dilution in vaginal fluids, which hampers the efficacy of many pharmacological treatments. In order to overcome these problems, this study proposes to develop a mucoadhesive in situ gelling liquid crystalline precursor system composed of 30% of oleic acid and cholesterol (7:1), 40% of ethoxylated and propoxylated cetyl alcohol, and 30% of a dispersion of 16% Poloxamer 407. The effect of the dilution with simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) on this system was evaluated by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), rheological studies, texture profile analysis (TPA), mucoadhesion study, in vitro drug release test using hypericin (HYP) as drug model, and cytotoxicity assay. PLM and SAXS confirmed the formation of an isotropic system. After the addition of three different concentrations of SVF (30, 50, and 100%), the resultant formulations presented anisotropy and characteristics of viscous lamellar phases. Rheology shows that formulations with SVF behaved as a non-Newtonian fluid with suitable shear thinning for vaginal application. TPA and mucoadhesion assays indicated the formation of long-range ordered systems as the amount of SVF increases which may assist in the fixation of the formulation on the vaginal mucosa. The formulations were able to control about 75% of the released HYP demonstrating a sustained release profile. Finally, all formulations acted as safe vaginal drug delivery systems.