Inclusion behavior of furocoumarin (Psoralen) with hydrophilic beta cyclodextrin

Psoralen occurs naturally in the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia Linn. It is used in treatment of the skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and leucoderma. The aim of the present work was to prepare an inclusion complex of psoralen with HP-β-CD to improve its apparent solubility, dissolution rate, stability and reduce its side effects. The solubility was evaluated by the phase solubility method of Higuchi and the profile displayed a typical AL-type curve, indicating the formation of 1:1 stoichiometric binary inclusion complex. The inclusion complex was prepared by freeze-drying and characterized by analytical techniques such as XRD, DSC and FT-IR. Drug content and in-vitro release studies were conducted. An oil-in-water emulsion-based cream was prepared and evaluated for its physico-chemical parameters. The results suggested that cream loaded with the inclusion complex of psoralen with HP-β-CD was effective in treatment of eczema with improved patient compliance.