Poor Oral Absorption Research Articles

Formulation and Characterization of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Nanosuspension Based on Bottom-Up Technology and Box-Behnken Design Optimization.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a therapeutic agent used for the treatment of cholestatic hepatobiliary diseases in pediatric patients. It is a bile acid that presents high lipophilicity, and it belongs to Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), which exhibits low water solubility and high intestinal permeability, which leads to poor oral absorption. The objective of this work was to design and optimize UDCA nanosuspensions by means of the precipitation-ultrasonication method to improve the solubility, dissolution, and oral bioavailability of UDCA. A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design was used to optimize formulation variables and obtain uniform, small-particle-size UDCA nanosuspensions. The independent variables were: stabilizer percentage (X1), amplitude (X2), and sonication time (X3), and the dependent variable was the particle size (Y1). In the precipitation-ultrasonication method, UDCA was dissolved in acetone:PEG 400 (1:1 v/v) and quickly incorporated into the antisolvent (pre-cooled aqueous dispersion of HPMC E-15 0.3%), by means of intense sonication at 50 W for 5 min, controlling temperature through an ice water bath. The lyophilization efficacy was evaluated by means of a cryoprotective efficacy test, working with 10% maltose at -80 °C. The nanosuspensions were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical stability was determined at 25 °C and 4 °C at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days, and the UDCA content was analyzed via HPLC-UV. An in vitro dissolution assay and an oral bioavailability study were performed in male Wistar rats. A significant impact was achieved in the optimized nanosuspension with 0.3% (stabilizer), 50 W (amplitude), and 5 min (sonication time), with a particle size of 352.4 nm, PDI of 0.11, and zeta potential of -4.30 mV. It presented adequate physicochemical stability throughout the study and the UDCA content was between 90% and 110%. In total, 86% of UDCA was dissolved in the in vitro dissolution test. The relative oral bioavailability was similar without significant statistical differences when comparing the lyophilized nanosuspension and the commercial tablet, the latter presenting a more erratic behavior. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the nanosuspension and the commercial tablet were Tmax (1.0 ± 0.9 h vs. 2.0 ± 0.8 h, respectively), Cmax (0.558 ± 0.118 vs. 0.366 ± 0.113 µM, respectively), ΔCmax (0.309 ± 0.099 vs. 0.232 ± 0.056, respectively), AUC (4.326 ± 0.471 vs. 2.188 ± 0.353 µg/mL.h, respectively, p < 0.02), and IAUC0-24h (2.261 ± 0.187 µg/mL.h vs. 1.924 ± 0.440 µg/mL.h, respectively). The developed nanosuspension presents an appropriate dosage and administration for pediatric patients. On the other hand, it exhibits an adequate absorption and UDCA oral bioavailability.

Fabrication of a protein-dextran conjugates formed oral nanoemulsion and its application to deliver the essential oil from Alpinia zerumbet Fructus

The injury of vascular endothelial cells caused by high glucose (HG) is one of the driving factors of vascular complications of diabetes. Oral administration is the most common route of administration for the treatment of diabetes and its vascular complications. Essential oil extracts from Chinese medicine possess potential therapeutic effects on vascular endothelial injury. However, low solubility and volatility of essential oils generally result in poor oral absorption. Development of nanocarriers for essential oils is a promising strategy to overcome the physiological barriers of oral absorption. In this study, a nanoemulsion composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-dextran sulfate (DS) conjugate and sodium deoxycholate (SD) was constructed. The nanoemulsions were verified with promoted oral absorption and prolonged circulation time. After the primary evaluation of the nanoemulsion, essential oil from Alpinia zerumbet Fructus (EOFAZ)-loaded nanoemulsion (denoted as EOFAZ@BD5/S) was prepared and characterized. Compared to the free EOFAZ, EOFAZ@BD5/S increased the protective effects on HG-induced HUVEC injury in vitro and ameliorative effects on the vascular endothelium disorder and tunica media fibroelastosis in a T2DM mouse model. Collectively, this study provides a nanoemulsion for the oral delivery of essential oils, which holds strong promise in the treatment of diabetes-induced vascular endothelial injury.

258-LB: Iridoid Glycoside Modulates Gut Microbiota and Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease–Related Metabolic Disorders

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely associated with glucose and lipid metabolism disturbance. The development of herbal medicine interventions for NAFLD is presently a popular topic in pharmaceutical research. However, although many active natural ingredients have been reported as promising agents for NAFLD, their potential benefits are contrasted by their poor oral absorption. GG-01, an effective iridoid glycoside discovered from a clinical prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is exposed first in the intestinal tract, and gut microbes may quickly react to GG-01. Therefore, it is intriguing to explore the role of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in the beneficial effects of GG-01 on NAFLD-related disorders. Our research intends to commence with the intestinal nutritional characteristics of GG-01. Firstly, the crucial role of intestinal microbiota in the pharmacological effects of GG-01 is confirmed using different animal models. Subsequently, we identify the key microbes by combining high-throughput sequencing and an in vitro culture system of intestinal microbiota. We then focus on one of the key microbes, Akkermansia muciniphila, and elucidate how GG-01 can treat NAFLD-related metabolic disorders by stimulating the bile acid biotransformation of Akkermansia muciniphila based on “TCM-microbiome-host” interaction. Finally, we present a novel therapeutic strategy of the synergistic effect of Akkermansia muciniphila and GG-01 via TGR5 to activate epithelial regeneration, promote GLP-1 production, and further treat NAFLD-related metabolic disorders. We also propose GG-01 as a new type of probiotic for the treatment of NAFLD. Disclosure C. Xie: None. Y. Liu: None.

Cannabidiol-Decorated Berberine-Loaded Microemulsions Improve IBS-D Therapy Through Ketogenic Diet-Induced Cannabidiol Receptors Overexpression.

Berberine (BR) shows promise as a candidate for treating irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). However, the undesired physicochemical properties and poor oral absorption limit its clinical translation. A ketogenic diet (KD) can induce intestinal overexpression of cannabidiol (CB) receptors, which may offer a potential target for IBS-D-specific delivery of BR. The microemulsions loaded with BR and decorated with cannabidiol (CBD/BR-MEs) were developed through a one-step emulsion method. The pharmaceutical behaviors of the CBD/BR-MEs were measured using dynamic light scattering and high-performance liquid chromatography. The efficacy of the anti-IBS-D therapy was evaluated by assessing fecal water content, Bristol score, and AWR score. The intestinal permeability were assessed through immunofluorescent staining of CB1 and ZO-1, respectively. The signaling of CREB/BDNF/c-Fos was also studied along with immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical examination of brain sections. The CBD/BR-MEs, which had a particle size of approximately 30 nm and a surface density of 2% (wt%) CBD, achieved greater than 80% (wt%) encapsulation efficiency of BR. The pharmacokinetics performance of CBD/BR-MEs was significantly improved in the KD-fed IBS-D rats than the standard diet-fed ones, which is highly related to intestinal expression of CB1 receptors. The treatment with CBD/BR-MEs and KD exhibited evident comprehensive advantages over the other groups in terms of anti-IBS-D efficacy. CBD/BR-MEs and KD synergistically decreased intestinal permeability. Moreover, the treatment with CBD/BR-MEs and KD not only blocked the CREB/BDNF/c-Fos signaling in the brain but also decreased the levels of neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory cytokines in the serum of IBS-D model rats. Such a design represents the first attempt at IBS-D-targeted drug delivery for improved oral absorption and efficacy through KD-induced target exposure, which holds promising potential for the treatment of IBS-D.

The passive diffusion improvement of Vitamin B12 intestinal absorption by Gelucire that fit for commercialized production

Vitamin B12 (VB12) is a vital micronutrient to maintain the normal state of the hematopoietic system. It must be obtained from the diet since the human body cannot synthesize it. Moreover, the absorption of VB12 needs to be mediated by intrinsic factor on the gastrointestinal (GI) track. The abnormalities in the stomach or lack of such intrinsic factors may result in poor oral absorption of VB12. However, the very advanced formulation strategies were generally very costly and still in the development stage. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to increase the VB12 intestinal absorption by conventional excipients of Gelucire 44/14 (G44/14) or Labrasol, which could be potentially formulated as a cost effect balanced product.The in vitro Caco-2 cell model was applied for the absorption study. A novel VB12 solid dispersion was subsequently prepared and further characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The membrane permeability of the VB12 solid dispersion was finally evaluated using ex vivo rat everted gut sac method. The results suggested that G44/14 could significantly enhance the intestinal absorption of VB12 via P-glycoprotein inhibition in vitro (P < 0.01). The membrane permeability of VB12could be significantly (P < 0.01) improved by G44/14-VB12 solid dispersion at a proportion of carrier: drug ratio of 20:1.The liquidfied solid dispersion was finally directly filled in the hard gelatin capsules. In conclusion, the cheap and simplified process of VB12 complex prepared by G44/14 could potentially increase VB12 intestinal absorption, which may be liable to commercial manufacturing.

Preparation of Nanoparticles Loaded with Quercetin and Effects on Bacterial Biofilm and LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress in Dugesia japonica.

Quercetin is a kind of flavonol compound, which has been widely concerned because of its good pharmacological effects. However, its poor water solubility and poor oral absorption limit its application. To address the above problems, the optimal technological conditions for preparing quercetin-loaded chitosan sodium alginate nanoparticles (Q-CSNPs) were obtained through single-factor experiment method. Q-CSNPs were characterized by particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Biofilm experiment evaluated the antibacterial activity of five different concentrations of Q-CSNPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging experiments determined their antioxidant activity. The effect of Q-CSNPs labeled with FITC on the oxidative stress of planarian was determined. The results showed that quercetin was successfully encapsulated and had good antibacterial and antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments of planarians also showed that Q-CSNPs could inhibit the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and especially alleviate the decrease of CAT activity and the increase of MDA content in planarians induced by LPS. After being supported by future in vivo studies, this preparation will provide research possibilities for the development of quercetin nano-drugs, quercetin dietary supplement, and so on.

Black ginger extract and its active compound, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, increase intestinal drug absorption via efflux drug transporter inhibitions

Black ginger is used as an herbal medicine for self-care and health promotion. Black ginger extract has been shown to alter the function of transporters in several cell types. This study demonstrates the interaction between the extract and 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF) on drug efflux mediated by breast cancer resistance proteins (BCRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in Caco-2 cells and heterologous cell systems [Madin-Darby canine kidney type II (MDCKII) stably transfected with human BCRP (MDCKII/BCRP) or human P-gp (MDCKII/P-gp)]. The transepithelial flux of 3H-Digoxin and 3H-Estrone sulfate, prototypic substrates of P-gp, and BCRP, respectively, across Caco-2 cell monolayers, MDCKII/BCRP, and MDCKII/P-gp cells were determined. The results demonstrate that black ginger extract (10 μg/ml) significantly increases 3H-Digoxin and 3H-Estrone sulfate transport from the apical to basolateral side while decreasing transport from the basolateral to apical side of Caco-2 cells and MDCKII cell overexpression of BCRP or P-gp. The effect of the extract on 3H-Digoxin and 3H-Estrone sulfate transport was related to a decrease in efflux ratio. Likewise, DMF (5 μM) significantly increased 3H-Digoxin and 3H-Estrone sulfate absorption with a decreased efflux ratio compared to the control. Interestingly, the extract also significantly increased absorption of paclitaxel, an anti-cancer drug, which has poor oral absorption. Taken together, co-administration of drugs as substrates of BCRP and P-gp, with the black ginger extract containing DMF, might alter the pharmacokinetic profiles of the medicine.

Effects of a locally administered risedronate/autogenous bone graft combination on bone healing in a critical-size rabbit defect model

BackgroundRisedronate is a bisphosphonate with poor oral absorption. An extremely hydrophilic molecule that has a high affinity for bone, risedronate also inhibits the farnesyl diphosphate synthase enzyme, inhibiting osteoclastic activity and reducing bone turnover and resorption. Autogenous bone grafts contain osteogenic cells and osteoinductive factors that are essential for bone regeneration and are therefore considered the gold standard. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of local risedronate administered with autogenous bone grafts on the healing of defects in rabbit skulls using histological, histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and three-dimensional radiological methods.MethodsTwo 10-mm-diameter critical-size defects were created in 16 rabbits and filled with autogenous bone graft and autogenous bone graft + 5 mg risedronate in the control (C) and risedronate (RIS) groups, respectively. Residual graft, new bone, soft tissue areas, and bone volume were evaluated in the 4- and 8-week study groups.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in bone graft, new bone, or soft tissue area between the groups at 4 weeks (p > 0.05). At 8 weeks, the new bone area was significantly higher in the RIS group than in the C group (p < 0.05). The h scores obtained from sialoprotein and osteopontin did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). The radiologically measured total bone volume was significantly higher in the RIS group than in the C group at both time points (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, risedronate enhanced the osteoconductive properties of autogenous bone grafts and rapidly created better-quality bone. This could improve future patient outcomes.

Pharmacological Mechanisms and Clinical Applications of Curcumin: Update.

Curcumin, a well-known hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has attracted great interest in the last ten years due to its multiple pharmacological activities. A growing body of evidence has manifested that curcumin has extensive pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxygenation, lipid regulation, antiviral, and anticancer with hypotoxicity and minor adverse reactions. However, the disadvantages of low bioavailability, short half-life in plasma, low drug concentration in blood, and poor oral absorption severely limited the clinical application of curcumin. Pharmaceutical researchers have carried out plenty of dosage form transformations to improve the druggability of curcumin and have achieved remarkable results. Therefore, the objective of this review summarizes the pharmacological research progress, problems in clinical application and the improvement methods of curcumin's druggability. By reviewing the latest research progress of curcumin, we believe that curcumin has a broad clinical application prospect for its wide range of pharmacological activities with few side effects. The deficiencies of lower bioavailability of curcumin could be improved by dosage form transformation. However, curcumin in the clinical application still requires further study regarding the underlying mechanism and clinical trial verification.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri and caffeoylquinic acid synergistically promote adipose browning and ameliorate obesity-associated disorders

ObjectiveHigh intake of caffeoylquinic acid (CQA)-rich dietary supplements, such as green coffee bean extracts, offers health-promoting effects on maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Similar to many active herbal ingredients with high pharmacological activities but low bioavailability, CQA has been reported as a promising thermogenic agent with anti-obesity properties, which contrasts with its poor oral absorption. Intestinal tract is the first site of CQA exposure and gut microbes might react quickly to CQA. Thus, it is of interest to explore the role of gut microbiome and microbial metabolites in the beneficial effects of CQA on obesity-related disorders.ResultsOral CQA supplementation effectively enhanced energy expenditure by activating browning of adipose and thus ameliorated obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions in high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Here, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that CQA treatment remodeled the gut microbiota to promote its anti-obesity actions, as confirmed by antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation. CQA enriched the gut commensal species Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) and stimulated the production of short-chain fatty acids, especially propionate. Mono-colonization of L. reuteri or low-dose CQA treatment did not reduce adiposity in DIO mice, while their combination elicited an enhanced thermogenic response, indicating the synergistic effects of CQA and L. reuteri on obesity. Exogenous propionate supplementation mimicked the anti-obesity effects of CQA alone or when combined with L. reuteri, which was ablated by the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitor 7ACC1 or MCT1 disruption in inguinal white adipose tissues to block propionate transport.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate a functional axis among L. reuteri, propionate, and beige fat tissue in the anti-obesity action of CQA through the regulation of thermogenesis. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the therapeutic use of herbal ingredients with poor bioavailability via their interaction with the gut microbiota.A36-Fe9THWYcJRZtLBDMvSVideo

Abstract 15024: High Concentration Mineral Oil, Corn Oil and Their Constitutive Fatty Acids Do Not Influence Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Oxidation Rates in vitro

Introduction: LDL transports dietary long chain fatty acids, constituents that may influence rates of lipid oxidation. Modified LDL promotes foam cell formation during atherosclerosis. The omega-3 fatty acid (n3-FA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) administered as icosapent ethyl (IPE), reduced cardiovascular events in REDUCE-IT compared to mixed n3-FAs in similar high-risk patients (STRENGTH). Some have attributed these discordant outcomes, in part, to placebo choice (mineral versus corn oil) despite very limited oral absorption. We compared the effects of these oils and various FAs on rates of LDL oxidation at supra-pharmacologic doses. Methods: LDL was isolated from human plasma by isopycnic centrifugation, separated into test samples of 100 μg/mL before being incubated at 37°C for 30 min with pharmaceutical grade mineral or corn oil at high concentrations (100 μg/mL) that are comparable to treatment achieved n3-FAs (4 g/d) that have high oral absorption. We also tested FAs contained in these oils, including stearic acid (18:0), arachidic acid (20:0), and linoleic acid (18:2, n-6) as well as ascorbic acid (10 μM) and a water-soluble analog of vitamin E (Trolox, 10 μM) as controls. All samples then underwent copper-induced oxidation (20 μM) monitored by formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: MDA formation increased from 0.28 ± 0.03 to 9.96 ± 0.58 μM ( p &lt;0.001) with vehicle treatment from 0-2 h. Addition of either mineral or corn oil at 100 μg/mL did not significantly influence rates of MDA formation at 2 h (0.02% and 1.93% change vs vehicle, respectively). Nor did we observe any antioxidant activity with constituent FAs stearic acid, arachidic acid, or linoleic acid, FAs with no or two double bonds. As antioxidant controls, ascorbic acid and Trolox both reduced LDL oxidation by 93% and 94% (0.71 ± 0.11 and 0.62 ± 0.04 to 9.96 ± 0.58 μM, p &lt;0.001) after 2 h. Conclusions: Neither mineral nor corn oils affected LDL oxidation even at supra-pharmacologic concentrations. Beyond poor oral absorption, mineral oil and its constituent fatty acids did not affect LDL oxidation, a property related to mechanisms of atherosclerosis.

Advancements in Rectal Drug Delivery Systems: Clinical Trials, and Patents Perspective

The rectal route is an effective route for the local and systemic delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The environment of the rectum is relatively constant with low enzymatic activity and is favorable for drugs having poor oral absorption, extensive first-pass metabolism, gastric irritation, stability issues in the gastric environment, localized activity, and for drugs that cannot be administered by other routes. The present review addresses the rectal physiology, rectal diseases, and pharmaceutical factors influencing rectal delivery of drugs and discusses different rectal drug delivery systems including suppositories, suspensions, microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, tablets, and hydrogels. Clinical trials on various rectal drug delivery systems are presented in tabular form. Applications of different novel drug delivery carriers viz. nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microspheres, transferosomes, nano-niosomes, and nanomicelles have been discussed and demonstrated for their potential use in rectal administration. Various opportunities and challenges for rectal delivery including recent advancements and patented formulations for rectal drug delivery have also been included.

Drug Likeness Screening and Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Selected Medicinal Agents by Computer Aided Drug Design Tools

The current drug research techniques, combinatorial synthesis and high throughput screening, help in obtaining and pre-evaluating thousands of compounds in a short duration of time. Among the selected compounds, the best hit molecule becomes the lead, and the drug likeness property helps to optimize the selection. Lipinski's Rule of five is the most widely used filter in pre-evaluation of compounds, according to Lipinski's Rule of five the molecule with poor oral absorption and low permeation has the molecular weight >500, ClogP >5, hydrogen bond acceptor more than 10 and hydrogen bond donor more than 5. To evaluate the Rule of Five, the top selling drugs of 2018-19 were selected. Among the selected 56 drugs, 12 drugs (tenofovir disoproxil, sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, trastuzumab, glecaprevir, pegtilgrastion, Lumacaftor/ ivacaftor, fluticasone propionate and salmetarol, elbasvir, darunavir ethanolate, Linagliptin, metformin, fluticasone furoate and vilanterol) did not fulfill the rule. The rule is very useful in selecting the better compound in chemolibraries, but should be used carefully and with certain criterion due to possible exclusion of promising compounds.

Development of Solid Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Quercetin

This work aims to develop Solid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Quercetin for enhancing its bioavailability. From the perspective of dosage forms, Solid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System mean solid dosage forms with self-emulsification properties. Liquid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System containing 15 mg/ml of Quercetin was prepared and converted to Solid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System by adsorption onto various solid carriers. Based on micromeritic properties and drug content analysis Aerosil ® 200 was selected as the adsorbent for development of Solid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Quercetin.Various formulation were prepared by variying amounts of the components and optimized fornulation showed particle size of 264.2 nm and drug content of 93.95 %.Optimized Solid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Quercetin showed good self emulsification ,absence of interactions(FTIR analyis), solubilization of the drug in the mixture (DSC and XRD analysis)and smooth surface (SEM analysis ) . In-vitro drug release of Solid Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Quercetin revealed percentage drug release of 99.70±0.227% within 30 min . Results of the study indicates the Solid Self emulsification technique is a promising approach for development of stable dosage form of drugs with poor oral absorption.

A possible covalent xanthine oxidase inhibitor TS10: Inhibition mechanism, metabolites identification and PDPK assessment

Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors are widely used in the control of serum uric acid levels in the clinical management of gout. Our continuous efforts in searching novel amide-based XO inhibitors culminated in the identification of N-(4-((3-cyanobenzyl)oxy)-3-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)phenyl)isonicotinamide (TS10), which exhibited comparable in vitro inhibition to that of topiroxostat (TS10, IC50 = 0.031 μM; topiroxostat, IC50 = 0.020 μM). According to the molecular modeling, we speculated that, as well as topiroxostat, TS10 would be biotransformed by XO to yield TS10-2-OH. In this work, TS10-2-OH was successfully identified in XO targeted metabolism study, demonstrated that TS10 underwent a covalent binding with XO via a TS10-O-Mo intermediate after anchoring in the XO molybdenum cofactor pocket. Furthermore, TS10-2-OH is a weak active metabolite, and its potency was explained by the molecular docking. In metabolites identification, TS10 could be oxidized by CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 to generate two mono-hydroxylated metabolites (not TS10-2-OH); and could occur degradation in plasma to mainly generate a hydrolytic metabolite (TS10-hydrolysate). In pharmacokinetic assessment, the low oral system exposure was observed (Cmax = 14.73 ± 2.66 ng/mL and AUClast = 9.17 ± 1.42 h⋅ng/mL), which could be explained by the poor oral absorption property found in excretion studies. Nonetheless, in pharmacodynamic evaluation, TS10 exhibited significant uric acid-lowering effect after oral administration in a dose-dependent manner. Briefly, in addition to allopurinol and topiroxostat, TS10 is possibly another explicitly mechanism-based XO inhibitor with powerful covalent inhibition.

Development, characterisation, and in vitro anti-tumor effect of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system containing polyphyllin I.

Polyphyllin I (PPI), an effective active ingredient in Paris polyphylla, has a diverse set of pharmacological properties. However, due to its poor solubility and oral absorption, its application and development are limited. In the study, we were committed to improving the solubility of PPI by developing a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of PPI (PPI-SMEDDS), screening the best preparation process, and evaluating the quality and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of PPI, and PPI-SMEDDS following oral administration to rats were also studied. In addition, the pharmacological activities against human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 in vitro were assessed. The best formulation had 15.89% ethyl oleate, 47.38% Cremophor RH40, and 36.73% 1,2 propylene glycol. The produced PPI-SMEDDS was clear and transparent, with an average particle size of 24.51nm and a zeta potential of -17.54 ± 0.51mV. In vitro, the cumulative release rate of PPI-SMEDDS was nearly 80% within 2h. PPI-SMEDDS had a substantially greater area under the curve than PPI following oral treatment in rats, and the relative bioavailability of PPI in rats was 278.99%. More importantly, the anti-tumor effect of PPI-SMEDDS in vitro was significantly greater than that of PPI. These findings suggested that PPI-SMEDDS has the potential to improve the solubility, oral bioavailability of PPI, and anti-tumor effect, laying the groundwork for future research on the new PPI dosage form.

Design and Development of a Quercetin Phospholipid Complex for Enhanced Permeability and Therapeutic Efficacy

Flavonoids are one of the most important phytochemicals in terms of its significant pharmacological activity. Quercetin is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids with poor aqueous solubility and poor oral absorption. It is rapidly cleared from the body following oral administration. Development of lipid-drug complex is a potential approach for improving the therapeutic efficacy of Quercetin. The present study aimed to formulate Quercetin Pharmacosomes and Biotin-Chitosan conjugated Quercetin Pharmacosomes for tumour targeted delivery. The Characterisation and In vitro drug release studies indicate that the prepared Phospholipid complexes are promising candidates for further studies in the delivery of Quercetin and other herbal drugs.

Clove Oil Endorsed Transdermal Flux of Dronedarone Hydrochloride Loaded Bilosomal Nanogel: Factorial Design, In vitro Evaluation and Ex vivo Permeation

The goal of this study was to develop a bilosomal gel formulation to enhance transdermal permeability of dronedarone hyrdrochloride (DRN) which suffers from poor oral absorption and limited bioavailability. To overcome this obstacle, bilosomes were successfully prepared using 23 full-factorial design. Span®40, cholesterol, sodium deoxycholate (bile salt), clove oil (permeability enhancer), and either Tween® 60 or Tween® 80 (edge activator) were used in bilosome preparation by ethanol injection method. In this design, independent variables were X1, edge activator type; X2, edge activator amount (mg); and X3, permeability enhancer concentration (% w/v). Optimal formula (B2) of the highest desirability of (0.776) demonstrated minimum vesicle size (VS) of 312.4 ± 24.42 nm, maximum absolute value of zeta potential (ZP) − 36.17 ± 2.57 mV, maximum entrapment efficiency (EE %) of 80.95 ± 3.01%, maximum deformability Index (DI) of 8.24 ± 1.26 g and maximum drug flux after 12 h (J12) of 21.23 ± 1.54 µg/cm2 h upon ex vivo permeation study. After 12 h, 70.29 ± 6.46% of DRN was released from B2. TEM identification of B2 showed spherical shaped nanosized vesicles which were physically stable for 3 months at different temperatures. B2 was incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose gel base for easiness of dermal application. B2 gel demonstrated good physical properties, non-Newtonian psuedoplastic flow, and enhanced release (57.0 ± 8.68% of DRN compared to only 13.3 ± 1.2% released from drug suspension after 12 h) and enhanced skin permeation.Graphical abstract

Strategic application of liposomal system to R-α-lipoic acid for the improvement of nutraceutical properties

R-α-lipoic acid (RLA) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), a reduced form of RLA, are potent endogenous antioxidants that can reduce oxidative damage. Despite their numerous nutraceutical potentials, clinical applications of RLA are still limited due to its poor solubility and stability problems. This study aimed to develop an RLA-loaded liposome (LIP/RLA) for the improvement of nutraceutical properties. LIP/RLA was developed by a typical solvent injection method. Uniform liposomes of LIP/RLA were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the mean particle size was calculated to be ∼150 nm from the data of dynamic light scattering. LIP/RLA could prevent the degradation of RLA even under acidic conditions (pH 1.2) possibly due to the encapsulation of RLA into the liposomal structure. In the release test under pH6.8 with lipase, LIP/RLA showed relatively rapid release of RLA, possibly due to the lipolysis of phospholipids by lipase. After the oral administration of LIP/RLA (10 mg-RLA/kg, p.o.) in rats, the systemic exposures of RLA and DHLA increased by 2.8- and 5.8-fold, respectively. In a rat model of acute hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (0.7 mL-CCl4/kg, p.o.), orally dosed LIP/RLA (3 mg-RLA/kg, p.o.) resulted in 78.7% and 86.4% reductions of plasma alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, respectively; however, RLA was found to be less effective possibly due to the poor oral absorption. The RLA-loaded liposomal system might be a promising carrier for poorly water-soluble materials with poor stability under acidic conditions, as well as RLA, to improve their oral absorption and nutraceutical properties.

Transport mechanism of eurycomanone from Eurycoma longifolia Jack across Caco-2 cells model

Eurycomanone is the main active ingredient of Eurycoma longifolia Jack with anti-cancer, anti-malaria, improving male sexual dysfunction and other effects.The poor lipid solubility of eurycomanone is potential reason for its low bioavailability. However, the transmembrane absorption mechanism has not been reported. In this study, the Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to investigate the influence of different factors on the eurycomanone transmembrane absorption, including time, concentration, temperature, P-glycoprotein inhibitors (verapamil or cyclosporin A) and collateral transport enhancer (sodium desoxycholate or EDTA).The results showed that the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of eurycomanone was lower than 10-6 cm/s with poor oral absorption. The Papp was not dependent on concentrations or temperatures. The addition of paracellular transport enhancer promoted the absorption of eurycomanone(P &lt; 0.05), whereas p-glycoprotein inhibitors had no effect.Taken together, this study indicated that absorption of eurycomanone may undergo passive transmembrane transport and paracellular transport.