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This work involves the preparation and characterization of alginate nanoparticles (Alg NPs) as a new transdermal carrier for site particular transport of glucosamine sulfate (GS). The GS–Alg NPs were examined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric spectroscopy. GS–Alg NPs was efficiently prepared via ionic gelation method which generates favorable conditions for the entrapment of hydrophilic drugs. The TEM studies revealed that GS–Alg NPs are discrete and have spherical shapes. FTIR studies showed a spectral change of the characteristic absorptions bands of Alg NPs after encapsulation with GS because of the amine groups of GS and the carboxylic acid groups of Alg. The DSC data showed changes in the thermal behavior of GS–Alg NPs after the addition of GS indicating signs of main chemical interaction among the drug (GS) and the polymer (Alg). The absence of the drug melting endothermic peak within the DSC thermogram of GS–Alg NPs indicating that GS is molecularly dispersed in the NPs and not crystallize. From the dielectric study, it was found modifications within the dielectric loss (ε″) and conductivity (σ) values after the addition of GS. The ε″ and σ values of Alg NPs decreased after the addition of GS which indicated the successful encapsulation of GS within Alg NPs. Furthermore, the dielectric study indicated an increase of the activation energy and the relaxation time for the first process in the GS–Alg NPs as compared to Alg NPs. Consequently, the existing observations indicated an initiation of electrostatic interaction among the amine group of GS and carboxyl group of Alg indicating the successful encapsulation of GS inside Alg NPs which could provide favorable circumstance for the encapsulation of GS for topical management.

BackgroundThe underlying etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is unclear and treatment aims to provide symptomatic and faster relief. This study compared the efficacy of diode laser, a herbal combination of Acacia nilotica and Licorice (A and L) and Amlexanox in the management of RAS.Material and MethodsSixty patients with minor aphthae were selected and randomly divided into four groups of 15 each. Group I and II received adhesive preparations of a herbal mixture of A and L and a 2 mg Amlexanox paste respectively, group III received diode laser and the fourth group (control) used a placebo. Ulcer size, pain score were recorded on days 1, 2 and 5.ResultsLaser group showed the statistically highest mean percentage (%) of reduction in pain scores and ulcer size than the other groups. The mean % of reduction in pain scores was 43.3+20.0 at day 2 and 67.8+21.5 % at day 5 in the laser group while Amlexanox group demonstrated a 29.8 +11.3 and 61.9+24.5 mean % of reduction in pain scores at day 2 and 5 respectively. A and L group showed a lower mean % of reduction in pain scores than laser and Amlexanox groups with a 22.2+10.5 and 43.4+15.8 mean % reduction in pain scores at day 2 and day 5 respectively. Similarly the highest mean % of reduction in ulcer size was seen in the laser group being 52.7+19.8 at day 2 and 85.1+22.0 at day 5, while it was 48.1+16.5 at day 2 and 77.8+28.7 at day 5 in the Amlexanox group and 42.0+11.5 at day 2 and 63.0+20.5 at day 5 in the A and L group.ConclusionsAll treatment modalities reduced pain and ulcer size than placebo group. Laser therapy demonstrated the highest percentage of reduction of pain score and ulcer size. Key words:Aphthous stomatitis, laser, herbal plants, Acacia nilotica, Licorice.

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