In vivo antiplasmodial potential of Carrageenan and Prosopis africana buccal films of artemether on malariogenic mice

Objective: To deliver bioadhesive buccal films of artemether (ART) with ability to adhere, hydrate and release drug across the buccal membrane. Methods: Buccal films prepared by film casting using carrageenan (CAR) and Prosopis africana (PRO) were characterized by size, zeta potential, texture, water content, morphology, thermal and interaction studies, in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity in mice. Results: Films were stable with sizes (2442 and 835 nm), water content (21 and 15 %), bioadhesivity (24 and 9.4 %) and film thickness (0.18 and 0.28 mm) for CARART and PROART respectively. Enthalpy of CARART, PROART and ART were 76, 22 and 88 J/g where as parasitaemia reduction of 67 and 76 % were observed for CARART and PROART respectively. Conclusion: Though CARART had better water content and bioadhesivity necessary for film hydration at buccal membrane, PROART eventually had superior buccal performance perhaps due to its film thickness and amorphous nanoparticle subdivision. Key words: Artemether; Carrageenan; Prosopis africana; Sublingual buccal films; Malaria