Formulation And Evaluation Of Rutin-Embedded Mucoadhesive In Situ Forming Hydrogel For Prevention And Treatment Of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis In Cancer Patients

Abstract
Radiation-induced oral mucositis is a common and debilitating complication observed in patients undergoing
radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. The condition is characterized by inflammation, ulceration, and severe
pain in the oral mucosa, which significantly affects patient comfort and may interfere with cancer treatment
schedules. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a rutin-embedded mucoadhesive in situ forming
hydrogel for localized prevention and management of radiation-induced oral mucositis. Rutin, a natural flavonoid
with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was incorporated into a thermosensitive hydrogel
system prepared using poloxamer 407, carbopol 934, and hpmc k15m. The developed formulations were evaluated
for physicochemical properties including ph, viscosity, gelation temperature, spreadability, and drug content.
Mucoadhesive strength was assessed using porcine buccal mucosa, while in vitro drug release studies were
conducted using franz diffusion cells. The optimized formulation exhibited suitable ph, strong mucoadhesion, and
sustained drug release over 24 hours. Biological evaluations demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and
inhibition of nitric oxide production, indicating preserved anti-inflammatory potential of rutin. Cytotoxicity
studies using human oral keratinocyte cells confirmed good biocompatibility of the formulation. Stability studies
further indicated satisfactory physicochemical stability under storage conditions. Overall, the developed rutinloaded mucoadhesive hydrogel demonstrated promising characteristics for localized therapy of radiation-induced
oral mucositis