Characterisation and anti-inflammatory evaluation of the inclusion complex of ellagic acid with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to examine ellagic acid hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex (EA-HP-β-CD) obtained through the freeze-drying method via FTIR, XRD, SEM, NMR and molecular modeling, as well as to investigate it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. Phase-solubility study showed that ellagic acid (EA) formed 1:2 stoichiometric inclusion complex with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). The XRD and SEM analysis were confirmed true inclusion complex formation of EA with HP-β-CD by freeze-drying method when compared with a physical mixture. The FTIR, NMR and molecular modeling studies suggested that the carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups of EA were involved in the inclusion complexation with HP-β-CD. EA-HP-β-CD exhibited better protection from protein denaturation and lysis of erythrocyte membrane as compared to positive controls. In vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation of EA-HP-β-CD in rats showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity on carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The present findings suggest that EA-HP-β-CD inclusion complex enhances the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of EA in experimental animal models.