Development of Provesicular Nanodelivery System of Curcumin as a Safe and Effective Antiviral Agent: Statistical Optimization, In Vitro Characterization, and Antiviral Effectiveness

The study developed a Curcumin-loaded proniosomal delivery system to enhance its antiviral effectiveness against Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1). Using a 32 factorial design, the researchers optimized a formula (F5) that showed improved entrapment efficiency and drug release. F5 demonstrated significantly higher antiviral activity, reducing viral plaques by 90% compared to 75% for Curcumin dispersion at 30 μM concentration. It also enhanced the safety and efficacy of Acyclovir by increasing its selectivity index from 13.1 to 64.5. The findings suggested that Curcumin-loaded proniosomes could serve as promising carriers for safe and effective antiviral treatments.