Exploring thiocolchicoside injection: Mechanism, formulation development, and analytical validation

Abstract

Globally, musculoskeletal disorders – which include ailments such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and 
cervical spondylosis – are major contributors to pain and disability. To reduce related muscular spasms and 
discomfort, doctors frequently prescribe muscle relaxants, particularly those that target pathways in the 
central nervous system. Thiocolchicoside (THC), a semi-synthetic version of colchicine, is derived from the 
Gloriosa superba plant. It helps lower pain and inflammation and relaxes muscles mostly in the brain and 
spinal cord. The injectable version of THC is becoming more and more popular for the treatment of acute 
and severe musculoskeletal problems due to its low oral bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects. The 
formulation creation of THC injection is the main topic of this work, which also addresses important issues 
including stability, isotonicity, sterility, and solubility optimization. To choose the best excipient and store it in 
the right method, the physicochemical characteristics – such as solubility, partition coefficient, and degradation 
pathways – are investigated. Franz diffusion cell-based in vitro permeability studies provide additional 
insight into the drug’s absorption properties and possible parenteral delivery-based bioavailability increase. 
Furthermore, an examination of contemporary analytical techniques, such as reverse-phase high-performance 
liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, enables International Council for Harmonizationcompliant quality control and validation procedures. All things considered, the study offers thorough insights 
into the injectable form of THC, confirming its cliHnical effectiveness and providing a dependable substitute for 
oral administration in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions