A thermosensitive gel formulation of an empirical traditional Chinese prescription for treating cervical erosion

Abstract

Cervical erosion, a pathological change associated with chronic cervicitis, is a common condition that is difficult to cure. Many patients particularly those with mild or medium infection and those preparing for pregnancy require a simple but effective medication. In this study, extracts of an empirical herbal prescription composed of six Chinese traditional drugs viz Cortex Phellodendri, Rhizoma Coptidis, Olibanum, Myrrha, borneol and catechu were formulated to facilitate intravaginal administration and improve efficacy. An extract of the first four components was formulated with borneol as a thermosensitive gel (TG) while an extract of catechu used to prepare a regular gel (CG) because of a chemical incompatibility. The optimized TG was prepared using poloxamer 407 and poloxamer 188. The CG was prepared using glycerin, carbopol and triethanolamine. The gels were characterized in vitro in terms of release of berberine (TG) and total catechins (CG) and in vivo in a rat model of cervical erosion. Treatment by once daily application of the TG for 7 days followed by once daily application of the CG for 3 days produced a restoration of normal tissues. Gel formulation of the empirical Chinese traditional remedy appears to provide a promising treatment for cervical erosion.

Keywords

• Thermosensitive gel
• Traditional Chinese prescription
• Cervical erosion
• Berberine
• Poloxamer
• Rat
• Cortex Phellodendri
• Rhizoma Coptidis
• Olibanum
• Myrrha
• Borneol
• catechu