Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of fisetin: Formulation, optimization, characterization and cytotoxicity assessment

Cubosomal nanoformulation increase invitro dissolution and anticancer activity of Fisetin in A549 lung cancer cells

Aim: To prepare fisetin (FIS) cubosomal nanoformulation to increase aqueous solubility and anticancer activity. Methods: Top-down method using glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and Pluronic F-127. Results: Optimized using 2% GMO and 1% Pluronic F-127, reported 93.07 nm particle size, 80.10% drug entrapment, and reports more than 50% enhanced in vitro drug release than native FIS. MTT assay reports IC50 Values of FIS 16.59 μg/ml and optimized cubosomal FIS nanoformulation (FISCUB) 12.18 μg/ml. The colony numbers observed in clonogenic assay for FISCUB were 8.33 ± 0.58 and FIS 11.67 ± 1.15. In flow cytometry study, apoptotic cells in FISCUB and FIS-treated A549 cells were found to be 33.4 and 6.83% respectively. Conclusion: A stable cubosomal nanoformulation of FIS showed enhanced aqueous solubility and anticancer activity.

Mechanochemical Approach to Obtaining a Multicomponent Fisetin Delivery System Improving Its Solubility and Biological Activity

In this study, binary amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs, fisetin-Eudragit®) and ternary amorphous solid inclusions (ASIs, fisetin-Eudragit®-HP-β-cyclodextrin) of fisetin (FIS) were prepared by the mechanochemical method without solvent. The amorphous nature of FIS in ASDs and ASIs was confirmed using XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction). DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) confirmed full miscibility of multicomponent delivery systems. FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared analysis) confirmed interactions that stabilize FIS's amorphous state and identified the functional groups involved. The study culminated in evaluating the impact of amorphization on water solubility and conducting in vitro antioxidant assays: 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-ABTS, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-DPPH, Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity-CUPRAC, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power-FRAP and in vitro neuroprotective assays: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase-AChE and butyrylcholinesterase-BChE. In addition, molecular docking allowed for the determination of possible bonds and interactions between FIS and the mentioned above enzymes. The best preparation turned out to be ASI_30_EPO (ASD fisetin-Eudragit® containing 30% FIS in combination with HP-β-cyclodextrin), which showed an improvement in apparent solubility (126.5 ± 0.1 µg∙mL-1) and antioxidant properties (ABTS: IC50 = 10.25 µg∙mL-1, DPPH: IC50 = 27.69 µg∙mL-1, CUPRAC: IC0.5 = 9.52 µg∙mL-1, FRAP: IC0.5 = 8.56 µg∙mL-1) and neuroprotective properties (inhibition AChE: 39.91%, and BChE: 42.62%).

Oral self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems for enhancing bioavailability and anticancer potential of fosfestrol: In vitro and in vivo characterization

PURPOSE

The objective of the current research work was to fabricate a fosfestrol (FST)-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to escalate the oral solubility and bioavailability and thereby the effectiveness of FST against prostate cancer.

METHODS

32 full factorial design was employed, and the effect of lipid and surfactant mixtures on percentage transmittance, time required for self-emulsification, and drug release were studied. The optimized solid FST-loaded SNEDDS (FSTNE) was characterized for in vitro anticancer activity and Caco-2 cell permeability, and in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

Using different ratios of surfactant and co-surfactant (Km) a pseudo ternary phase diagram was constructed. Thirteen liquid nano emulsion formulations (LNE-1 to LNE-13) were formulated at Km = 3:1. LNE-9 exhibited a higher % transmittance (99.25 ± 1.82 %) and a lower self-emulsification time (24 ± 0.32 s). No incompatibility was observed in FT-IR analysis. Within 20 min the solidified FST loaded LNE-9 (FSTNE) formulation showed almost complete drug release (98.20 ± 1.30 %) when compared to marketed formulation (40.36 ± 2.8 %), and pure FST (32 ± 3.3 %) in 0.1 N HCl. In pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, the release profiles are found moderately higher than in 0.1 N HCl. FSTNE significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited the PC-3 prostate cell proliferation and also caused apoptosis (P < 0.001) compared to FST. The in vitro Caco-2 cell permeability study results revealed 4.68-fold higher cell permeability of FSTNE than FST. Remarkably, 4.5-fold rise in bioavailability was observed after oral administration of FSTNE than plain FST.

CONCLUSIONS

FSTNE remarkably enhanced the in vitro anticancer activity and Caco-2 cell permeability, and in vivo bioavailability of FST. Thus, FST-SNEDDS could be utilized as a potential carrier for effective oral treatment of prostate cancer.

Fisetin-In Search of Better Bioavailability-From Macro to Nano Modifications: A Review

As secondary plant metabolites, polyphenols are abundant in fruits and vegetables. They are in high demand because of their many health benefits. However, their low bioavailability makes them complex compounds to use for therapeutic purposes. Due to the limited solubility of phytocompounds, dietary supplements made from them may only be partially effective. Such molecules include fisetin, found in strawberries, and have shown great promise in treating Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Unfortunately, because of their limited water solubility, low absorption, and poor bioavailability, the assistance of nanotechnology is required to allow them to fulfil their potential fully. Here, we provide evidence that nanodelivery methods and structure modifications can improve fisetin bioavailability, which is linked to improvements in therapeutic efficacy. An open question remains as to which nanocarrier should be chosen to meet the abovementioned requirements and be able to enhance fisetin's therapeutic potential to treat a particular disease.

Fisetin in Cancer: Attributes, Developmental Aspects, and Nanotherapeutics

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality, globally. Cancerous cells invade normal cells and metastasize to distant sites with the help of the lymphatic system. There are several mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cancer. Several treatment strategies including the use of phytoconstituents have evolved and been practiced for better therapeutic outcomes against cancer. Fisetin is one such naturally derived flavone that offers numerous pharmacological benefits, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anticancer properties. It inhibits the rapid growth, invasiveness, and metastasis of tumors by hindering the multiplication of cancer cells, and prompts apoptosis by avoiding cell division related to actuation of caspase-9 and caspase-8. However, its poor bioavailability associated with its extreme hydrophobicity hampers its clinical utility. The issues related to fisetin delivery can be addressed by adapting to the developmental aspects of nanomedicines, such as formulating it into lipid or polymer-based systems, including nanocochleates and liposomes. This review aims to provide in-depth information regarding fisetin as a potential candidate for anticancer therapy, its properties and various formulation strategies.

Preparation and characterisation of self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) for enhancing oral bioavailability of metformin hydrochloride using hydrophobic ion pairing complexation

AIM

The aim of this study was preparation of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEEDS) containing metformin hydrochloride.

METHODS

Hydrophobic ion paired complexes were prepared by electrostatic interaction between metformin and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). The nanodroplets were optimised using two-level full factorial methodology and their morphology were examined. In vitro release of metformin from SEDDS was evaluated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Finally, the ex-vivo efficacy of the optimised formulation in enhancing the intestinal permeability of metformin was evaluated using non-everted intestinal sac.

RESULTS

The data revealed that in weight ratio 1:4(metformin: SLS), the highest recovery was achieved. The physico-chemical properties of the optimised nano-droplets including size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential, and loading efficiency (%) were 192.33 ± 9.9 nm, 0.275 ± 0.051; -1.52 mV, and 93.75 ± 0.77% (w/w), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The data obtained from the intestinal transport study demonstrated that SEDDS can significantly enhance the oral permeability of the compound.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of anti-cancer drugs: a multifaceted nanoplatform for the enhancement of oral bioavailability

OBJECTIVE

A significant problem faced by the health care industry today is that though there are numerous drugs available to tackle diseases like cancer, their intrinsic properties make it difficult to be delivered to patients in a feasible manner. One of the key players that have helped researchers overcome poor solubility and permeability of drugs is Nanotechnology, this article further iterates on the same.

SIGNIFICANCE

Nanotechnology is used as an umbrella term in pharmaceutics and describes under it multiple technologies. Upcoming nanotechnology is a Self Nanoemulsifying System which is considered to be a futuristic delivery system both due to its scientific simplicity and relative ease of patient delivery.

METHODS

Self-Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS) are homogenous lipidic concoctions containing the drug solubilized in the oil phase and surfactants. The choice of components depends on the physicochemical properties of the drugs, the solubilization capability of oils and the physiological fate of the drug. The article contains further details of various methodologies that have been adopted by scientists to formulate and optimize such systems in order to make anticancer drugs orally deliverable.

RESULTS

The results that have been generated by scientists across the globe have been summarized in the article and all of the data supports the claim that SNEDDS significantly enhance the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

This article mainly provides the application of SNEDDS in cancer therapy and concludes to provide a step for the oral administration of several BCS class II and IV anticancer drugs.

Quality by Design Based Formulation of Xanthohumol Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Improved Bioavailability and Anticancer Effect against PC-3 Cells

Many natural products with greater therapeutic efficacy are limited to target several chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Among the natural products from hops, i.e., Xanthohumol (XH), is a prenylated chalcone. The present research work focuses on the enhancement of the poor oral bioavailability and weak pharmacokinetic profile of XH. We exemplified the development of a Xanthohumol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (XH-SLNs) cargo system to overcome the limitations associated with its bioavailability. The XH-SLNs were prepared by a high-shear homogenization/ultrasonication method and graphical, numerical optimization was performed by using Box-Behnken Design. Optimized XH-SLNs showed PS (108.60 nm), PDI (0.22), ZP (-12.70 mV), %EE (80.20%) and an amorphous nature that was confirmed by DSC and PXRD. FE-SEM and HRTEM revealed the spherical morphology of XH-SLNs. The results of release studies were found to be 9.40% in 12 h for naive XH, whereas only 28.42% of XH was released from XH-SLNs. The slow release of drugs may be due to immobilization of XH in the lipid matrix. In vivo pharmacokinetic study was performed for the developed XH-SLNs to verify the enhancement in the bioavailability of XH than naive XH. The enhancement in the bioavailability of the XH was confirmed from an increase in Cmax (1.07-folds), AUC0-t (4.70-folds), t1/2 (6.47-folds) and MRT (6.13-folds) after loading into SLNs. The relative bioavailability of XH loaded in SLNs and naive XH was found to be 4791% and 20.80%, respectively. The cytotoxicity study of naive XH, XH-SLNs were performed using PC-3 cell lines by taking camptothecin as positive control. The results of cytotoxicity study revealed that XH-SLNs showed good cell inhibition in a sustained pattern. This work successfully demonstrated formulation of XH-SLNs with sustained release profile and improved oral bioavailability of XH with good anticancer properties against PC-3 cells.

Multivariate Data Analysis and Central Composite Design-Oriented Optimization of Solid Carriers for Formulation of Curcumin-Loaded Solid SNEDDS: Dissolution and Bioavailability Assessment

The study was initiated with two major purposes: investigating the role of isomalt (GIQ9) as a pharmaceutical carrier for solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDSs) and improving the oral bioavailability of lipophilic curcumin (CUN). GIQ9 has never been explored for solidification of liquid lipid-based nanoparticles such as a liquid isotropic mixture of a SNEDDS containing oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. The suitability of GIQ9 as a carrier was assessed by calculating the loading factor, flow and micromeritic properties. The S-SNEDDSs were prepared by surface adsorption technique. The formulation variables were optimized using central composite design (CCD). The optimized S-SNEDDS was evaluated for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopy, dissolution and pharmacokinetic studies. The S-SNEDDS showed a particle size, zeta potential and PDI of 97 nm, -26.8 mV and 0.354, respectively. The results of DSC, XRD, FTIR and microscopic studies revealed that the isotropic mixture was adsorbed onto the solid carrier. The L-SNEDDS and S-SNEDDS showed no significant difference in drug release, indicating no change upon solidification. The optimized S-SNEDDS showed 5.1-fold and 61.7-fold enhancement in dissolution rate and oral bioavailability as compared to the naïve curcumin. The overall outcomes of the study indicated the suitability of GIQ9 as a solid carrier for SNEDDSs.

Expanding arsenal against diabetes mellitus through nanoformulations loaded with glimepiride and simvastatin: A comparative study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common and life-threatening diseases found across the globe. It occurs due to insulin resistance (IR). Major causes of IR include obesity, sedentary life style and hyperlipidemia. Glimepiride (GLM) is one of the most common oral sulphonyl ureas that is being used to treat diabetes and Simvastatin (SIM) is one of the most common statins that is used to treat hyperlipidaemia. However, both the drugs suffer from dissolution rate limited oral bioavailability. Hence, the aim of present study was to develop two different nanoformulations viz. nanosuspension and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and evaluate their potential in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus on streptozotocin (STZ) induced rats. In the present study two such drugs, GLM and SIM were co-formulated into nanosuspension (NS) as well as self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (L-SNEDDS). Both formulations were spray dried for solidification and evaluated for their antidiabetic potential against high fat diet and streptozotocin induced rat model. The study showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipid/cholesterol and blood glucose levels and significant increase in antioxidant levels in the rats treated with NS and SNEDDS containing the drugs alone as well as their combination as compared to their unprocessed forms. However, the efficacy was more prominent in case of combination possibly due to dual benefits i.e., decrease in IR due to statin and control of blood glucose level. Among NS and SNEDDS, NS was found more efficacious than that of the SNEDDS possibly due to higher enhancement of oral bioavailability in case of NS.

Improved neuroprotective activity of Fisetin through SNEDDS in ameliorating the behavioral alterations produced in rotenone-induced Parkinson's model

Fisetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. However, it loses its importance as an effective phytochemical due to its poor water solubility and lower bioavailability. In the present study, the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of fisetin was developed in order to improve its pharmacological activity. The developed SNEDDS of fisetin was evaluated for improving the rotenone-induced behavioral changes in the rats, and its efficacy was compared with naïve fisetin. It was noticed that fisetin loaded in the SNEDDS formulation significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorated the rotenone-induced alteration in the body weight, grip strength, beam walk, postural instability, etc., in rats when compared to the effect of naïve fisetin. Naïve fisetin significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the effect of rotenone on the level of dopamine only at a higher dose. Whereas, SNEDDS of fisetin produced a significant (p < 0.05) effect at both dose levels when compared with the diseased group as well as also produced a significant (p < 0.05) effect when compared with the naïve fisetin group. The results of histopathological examination revealed about the neuroprotective effect of SNEDDS loaded with fisetin as observed through the protection of neuronal damage. From this study, it was concluded that SNEDDS improved the anti-Parkinsonian activity of fisetin by improving the behavioral alteration produced by rotenone due to enhancement in its solubility and bioavailability.

Self-Emulsifying Systems for Delivery of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Origin

Nature has been used as therapeutic resources in the treatment of diseases for many years. However, some natural compounds have poor water solubility. Therefore, physicochemical strategies and technologies are necessary for development of systems for carrying these substances. The self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been used as carriers of hydrophobic compounds in order to increase the solubility and absorption, improving their bioavailability. SEDDS are constituted with a mixture of oils and surfactants which, when come into contact with an aqueous medium under mild agitation, can form emulsions. In the last years, a wide variety of self-emulsifying formulations containing bioactive compounds from natural origin has been developed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main excipients and natural bioactive compounds composing SEDDS. In addition, applications, new technologies and innovation are reviewed as well. Examples of self-emulsifying formulations administered in different sites are also considered for a better understanding of the use of this strategy to modify the delivery of compounds from natural origin.

Formulation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Cephalexin: Physiochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation

A cephalexin (CEP) self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was developed in this study to improve the drug’s oral administration. The CEP-SNEDDS was made utilizing an aqueous titration method employing Lauroglycol 90, Poloxamer 188, and Transcutol-HP. Box-Behnken design (BBD) with three factors at three levels was used for optimization, and their impacts on globule size (nm), transmittance (percent), and emulsification time (s) were assessed. The optimized formulation (Opt-F3) was further tested for zeta potential, refractive index, percent transmittance, thermodynamic stability, in-vitro release, ex vivo permeability, antibacterial activity, and bioavailability. The chosen formulation (Opt-F3) had a globule size of 87.25 ± 3.16 nm, PDI of 0.25, zeta potential of −24.37 mV, self-emulsification duration of 52 ± 1.7 s, and percentage transmittance of 99.13 ± 1.5%, viscosity of 96.26 ± 2.72 cp, and refractive index of 1.29 ± 0.1. It showed a sustained release profile (94.28 ± 5.92 percent in 24 h). The Opt-F3 formulation had 3.95 times the permeability of CEP-dispersion. In comparison to CEP-dispersion, it also demonstrated greater antibacterial efficacy against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The oral bioavailability of Opt-F3 is 3.48 times higher than that of CEP-dispersion, according to an in-vivo investigation. It has been determined that the prepared CEP-SNEDDS may be an advantageous carrier for CEP delivery.

Self-nanoemulsifying composition containing curcumin, quercetin, Ganoderma lucidum extract powder and probiotics for effective treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin induced rats

Liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (L-SNEDDS) of curcumin and quercetin were prepared by dissolving them in isotropic mixture of Labrafil M1944CS®, Capmul MCM®, Tween-80® and Transcutol P®. The prepared L-SNEDDS were solidified using Ganoderma lucidum extract, probiotics and Aerosil-200® using spray drying. These were further converted into pellets using extrusion-spheronization. The mean droplet size and zeta potential of L-SNEDDS were found to be 63.46 ± 2.12 nm and - 14.8 ± 3.11 mV while for solid SNEDDS pellets, these were 72.46 ± 2.16 nm and -38.7 ± 1.34 mV, respectively. The dissolution rate for curcumin and quercetin each was enhanced by 4.5 folds while permeability was enhanced by 5.28 folds (curcumin) and 3.35 folds (quercetin) when loaded into SNEDDS pellets. The Cmax for curcumin and quercetin containing SNEDDS pellets was found 532.34 ± 5.64 ng/mL and 4280 ± 65.67 ng/mL, respectively. This was 17.55 and 3.48 folds higher as compared to their naïve forms. About 50.23- and 5.57-folds increase in bioavailability was observed for curcumin and quercetin respectively, upon loading into SNEDDS pellets. SNEDDS pellets were found stable at accelerated storage conditions. The developed formulation was able to normalize the levels of blood glucose, lipids, antioxidant biomarkers, and tissue architecture of pancreas and liver in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats as compared to their naïve forms.

Development of mushroom polysaccharide and probiotics based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system loaded with curcumin and quercetin to improve their dissolution rate and permeability: State of the art

The role of mushroom polysaccharides and probiotics as pharmaceutical excipients for development of nanocarriers has never been explored. In the present study an attempt has been made to explore Ganoderma lucidum extract powder (GLEP) containing polysaccharides and probiotics to convert liquid self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) into solid free flowing powder. Two lipophilic drugs, curcumin and quercetin were used in this study due to their dissolution rate limited oral bioavailability and poor permeability. These were loaded into liquid SNEDDS by dissolving them into isotropic mixture of Labrafill M1944CS, Capmul MCM, Tween-80 and Transcutol P. The liquid SNEDDS were solidified using probiotics and mushroom polysaccharides as carriers and Aerosil-200 as coating agent. The solidification was carried out using spray drying process. The process and formulation variables for spray drying process of liquid SNEDDS were optimized using Box Behnken Design to attain required powder properties. The release of both drugs from the optimized spray dried (SD) formulation was found to be more than 90%, whereas, it was less than 20% for unprocessed drugs. The results of DSC, PXRD and SEM, showed that the developed L-SNEDDS preconcentrate was successfully loaded onto the porous surface of probiotics, mushroom polysaccharides and Aerosil-200.

Development of Piperine-Loaded Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System: Optimization, In-Vitro, Ex-Vivo, and In-Vivo Evaluation

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease that needs long-term medication. Oral delivery is the most common route for the administration of drugs. The present research is to develop piperine self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (PE-SNEDDS) using glyceryl monolinoleate (GML), poloxamer 188, and transcutol HP as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. The formulation was optimized by three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. PE-SNEDDs were characterized for globule size, emulsification time, stability, in-vitro release, and ex-vivo intestinal permeation study. The optimized PE-SNEDDS (OF3) showed the globule size of 70.34 ± 3.27 nm, percentage transmittance of 99.02 ± 2.02%, and emulsification time of 53 ± 2 s Finally, the formulation OF3 was transformed into solid PE-SNEDDS (S-PE-SNEDDS) using avicel PH-101 as adsorbent. The reconstituted SOF3 showed a globule size of 73.56 ± 3.54 nm, PDI of 0.35 ± 0.03, and zeta potential of −28.12 ± 2.54 mV. SEM image exhibited the PE-SNEDDS completely adsorbed on avicel. Thermal analysis showed the drug was solubilized in oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. S-PE-SNEDDS formulation showed a more significant (p < 0.05) release (97.87 ± 4.89% in 1 h) than pure PE (27.87 ± 2.65% in 1 h). It also exhibited better antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and antioxidant activity as compared to PE dispersion. The in vivo activity in rats exhibited better (p < 0.05) antihypertensive activity as well as 4.92-fold higher relative bioavailability than pure PE dispersion. Finally, from the results it can be concluded that S-PE-SNEDDS might be a better approach for the oral delivery to improve the absorption and therapeutic activity.

Demethyleneberberine: A possible treatment for Huntington's disease

Huntington disease (HD) is a type of neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by presence of multiple repeats (more than 36) of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotides and mutated huntingtin (mHtt). This can further lead to oxidative stress, enhancement in level of ROS/RNS, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammations. Many clinical and preclinical trials have been conducted so far for the effective treatment of HD however, none of the drugs has shown complete relief. The regeneration of neurons is a very complicated process and associated with multiple pathological pathways. Hence, finding a unique solution using single drug that could act on multiple pathological pathways is really cumbersome. In the proposed hypothesis the use of demethyleneberberine (DMB) as a potential anti-HD agent has been explained. It is a metabolite of berberine and reported to act on multiple mechanistic pathways that are responsible for HD. Present article highlights new mechanistic insights through which DMB inhibits ROS/RNS, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctions and neuroinflammation such as NFκB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, cytokinin. Further its action on cellular apoptosis and neuronal cell death are also reported.

Exploring role of polysaccharides present in Ganoderma lucidium extract powder and probiotics as solid carriers in development of liquisolid formulation loaded with quercetin: A novel study

Ganoderma lucidium extract powder (GLEP) contains various polysaccharides which are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Probiotics (PB) are well-established for providing a plethora of health benefits. Hence, use of mushroom polysaccharides and probiotics as carriers to solidify liquisolid formulation is anticipated to function as functional excipients i.e. as adsorbent that may provide therapeutic benefits. Quercetin (QUR) has been used as model lipophilic drug in this study. QUR loaded liquisolid compacts (LSCs) were formulated using Tween 80 as solvent. These were further solidified using a combination of PB and GLEP as carriers. Aerosil-200 (A-200) was used as coating agent. The formulation exhibited very good flow characteristics. Dissolution rate of raw QUR was found to be less than 10% in 60 min while in case of QUR loaded LSCs, more than 90% drug release was observed within 5 min. Absence of crystalline peaks of QUR in the DSC and PXRD reports of LSCs and their porous appearance in SEM micrographs indicate that QUR was successfully incorporated in the LSCs. The developed formulation was found to be stable on storage under accelerated stability conditions.

Potential anti-epileptic phytoconstituents: An updated review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Epilepsy is one of the most commonly occurring non-communicable neurological disorder that affects people of all age groups. Around 50 million people globally are epileptic, with 80% cases in developing countries due to lack of access to treatments determined by high cost and poor availability or it can be defined by the fraction of active epileptic patients who are not appropriately being treated. The availability of antiepileptic drugs and their adjuvant therapy in such countries is less than 50% and these are highly susceptible to drug interactions and severe adverse effects. As a result, the use of herbal medicine is increasingly becoming popular.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide pharmacological information on the active constituents evaluated in the preclinical study to treat epilepsy with potential to be used as an alternative therapeutic option in future. It also provides affirmation for the development of novel antiepileptic drugs derived from medicinal plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information on the antiepileptic potential of phytoconstituents in the preclinical study (in-vitro, in-vivo) is provided based on their effect on screening parameters. Besides, relevant information on pharmacology of phytoconstituents, the traditional use of their medicinal plants related to epilepsy and status of phytoconstituents in the clinical study were derived from online databases, including PubMed, Clinicaltrial. gov, The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org), Science Direct. Articles identified using preset searching syntax and inclusion criteria are presented.

RESULTS

More than 70% of the phytoconstituents reviewed in this paper justified the traditional use of their medicinal plant related to epilepsy by primarily acting on the GABAergic system. Amongst the phytoconstituents, only cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol have been explored for clinical application in epilepsy.

CONCLUSION

The preclinical and clinical data of the phytoconstituents to treat epilepsy and its associated comorbidities provides evidence for the discovery and development of novel antiepileptic drugs from medicinal plants. In terms of efficacy and safety, further randomized and controlled clinical studies are required to understand the complete pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic picture of phytoconstituents. Also, specific botanical source evaluation is needed.

Opening eyes to therapeutic perspectives of bioactive polyphenols and their nanoformulations against diabetic neuropathy and related complications

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the major complications arising from hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. In recent years polyphenols present in plants have gained attention to treat DN. The main advantages associated with them are their action via different molecular pathways to manage DN and their safety. However, they failed to gain clinical attention due to challenges associated with their formulation development such as lipophilicity,poor bioavailability, rapid systemic elimination, and enzymatic degradation.Area covered: This article includes different polyphenols that have shown their potential against DN in preclinical studies and the research carried out towards development of their nanoformulations in order to overcome aforementioned issues.Expert opinion: In this review various polyphenol based nanoformulations such as nanospheres, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, niosomes, electrospun nanofibers, metallic nanoparticles explored exclusively to treat DN are discussed. However, the literature available related to polyphenol based nanoformulations to treat DN is limited. Moreover, these experiments are limited to preclinical studies. Hence, more focus is required towards  development of nanoformulations using simple and single step process as well as inexpensive and non-toxic excipients so that a stable, scalable, reproducible and non-toxic formulation could be achieved and clinical trials could be initiated.

A Solid Ultra Fine Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (S-SNEDDS) of Deferasirox for Improved Solubility: Optimization, Characterization, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Studies

The research work was designed to develop a solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of deferasirox (DFX). According to the solubility studies of DFX in different components, Peceol, Kolliphor EL, and Transcutol were selected as excipients. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed, and then SNEDDS formation assessment studies and solubility of DFX in selected SNEDDSs formulations were performed. DFX loaded SNEDDS were prepared and characterized. The optimum DFX-SNEDDS formulations were developed. The relative safety of the optimized SNEDDS formulation was examined in a human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line, K562 cells, using the MTT cell viability test. Cytotoxicity studies revealed more cell viability (71.44%) of DFX loaded SNEDDS compared to pure DFX (3.99%) at 40 μM. The selected DFX-SNEDDS formulation was converted into S-SNEDDS by adsorbing into porous carriers, in order to study its dissolution behavior. The in vitro drug release studies indicated that DFX release (Q5%) from S-SNEDDS solidified with Neusilin UFL2 was significantly higher (93.6 ± 0.7% within 5 min) compared with the marketed product (81.65 ± 2.10%). The overall results indicated that the S-SNEDDS formulation of DFX could have the potential to enhance the solubility of DFX, which would in turn have the potential to improve its oral bioavailability as a safe novel delivery system.

Recent Advances in the Structural Design of Photosensitive Agent Formulations Using "Soft" Colloidal Nanocarriers

The growing demand for effective delivery of photosensitive active compounds has resulted in the development of colloid chemistry and nanotechnology. Recently, many kinds of novel formulations with outstanding pharmaceutical potential have been investigated with an expansion in the design of a wide variety of "soft" nanostructures such as simple or multiple (double) nanoemulsions and lipid formulations. The latter can then be distinguished into vesicular, including liposomes and "smart" vesicles such as transferosomes, niosomes and ethosomes, and non-vesicular nanosystems with solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. Encapsulation of photosensitive agents such as drugs, dyes, photosensitizers or antioxidants can be specifically formulated by the self-assembly of phospholipids or other amphiphilic compounds. They are intended to match unique pharmaceutic and cosmetic requirements and to improve their delivery to the target site via the most common, i.e., transdermal, intravenous or oral administration routes. Numerous surface modifications and functionalization of the nanostructures allow increasing their effectiveness and, consequently, may contribute to the treatment of many diseases, primarily cancer. An increasing article number is evidencing significant advances in applications of the different classes of the photosensitive agents incorporated in the "soft" colloidal nanocarriers that deserved to be highlighted in the present review.