Preparation and Characterization of Novel Oleogels Using Jasmine Floral Wax and Wheat Germ Oil for Oral Delivery of Curcumin

Oleogels (OGs) have gained a lot of interest as a delivery system for a variety of pharmaceuticals. The current study explains the development of jasmine floral wax (JFW) and wheat germ oil (WGO)-based OGs for oral drug (curcumin) delivery application. The OGs were made by dissolving JFW in WGO at 70 °C and cooling it to room temperature (25 °C). The critical gelation concentration of JFW that induces the gelation of WGO was found to be 10% (w/w). The OGs were characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopic analysis, and mechanical test. XRD data indicated that JFW influences the crystallinity of the OGs. Among the prepared OGs, OG 17.5 showed higher crystallization in the series. Optical microscopic studies demonstrated the formation of fiber structures due to the entanglement of crystals whereas, polarized light micrographs suggested the formation of spherulites or clustered crystallite structures. The mechanical properties of the OGs increased linearly with the increase in the JFW concentration. Curcumin-loaded OGs were examined for their controlled release applications. In summary, the developed OGs were found to have the necessary features for modulating the oral delivery of curcumin.