Self-assembled micelles based on gambogenic acid-phospholipid complex for sustained-release drug delivery

Phospholipid Complex Formulation Technology for Improved Drug Delivery in Oncological Settings: a Comprehensive Review

Addressing poor solubility and permeability issues associated with synthetic drugs and naturally occurring active compounds is crucial for improving bioavailability. This review explores the potential of phospholipid complex formulation technology to overcome these challenges. Phospholipids, as endogenous molecules, offer a viable solution, with drugs complexed with phospholipids demonstrating a similar absorption mechanism. The non-toxic and biodegradable nature of the phospholipid complex positions it as an ideal candidate for drug delivery. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the mechanisms underlying phospholipid complexes. Special emphasis is placed on the solvent evaporation method, with meticulous scrutiny of formulation aspects such as the phospholipid ratio to the drug and solvent. Characterization techniques are employed to understand structural and functional attributes. Highlighting the adaptability of the phospholipid complex, the review discusses the loading of various nanoformulations and emulsion systems. These strategies aim to enhance drug delivery and efficacy in various malignancies, including breast, liver, lung, cervical, and pancreatic cancers. The broader application of the drug phospholipid complex is showcased, emphasizing its adaptability in diverse oncological settings. The review not only explores the mechanisms and formulation aspects of phospholipid complexes but also provides an overview of key clinical studies and patents. These insights contribute to the intellectual and translational advancements in drug phospholipid complexes.

Caged Polyprenylated Xanthones in Garcinia hanburyi and the Biological Activities of Them

The previous phytochemical analyses of Garcinia hanburyi revealed that the main structural characteristic associated with its biological activity is the caged polyprenylated xanthones with a unique 4-oxatricyclo [4.3.1.03,7] dec-2-one scaffold, which contains a highly substituted tetrahydrofuran ring with three quaternary carbons. Based on the progress in research of the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and modification methods of the caged polyprenylated xanthones, this paper presents a preliminary predictive analysis of their drug-like properties based on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/T) properties. It was found out that these compounds have very similar pharmacokinetic properties because they possess the same caged xanthone structure, the 9,10-double bond in a,b-unsaturated ketones are critical for the antitumor activity. The author believes that there is an urgent need to seek new breakthroughs in the study of these caged polyprenylated xanthones. Thus, the research on the route of administration, therapeutic effect, structural modification and development of such active ingredients is of great interest. It is hoped that this paper will provide ideas for researchers to develop and utilize the active ingredients derived from natural products.

Oral Delivery of Gambogenic Acid by Functional Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Targeted Tumor Therapy

To enhance the water solubility, oral bioavailability, and tumor targeting of gambogenic acid (GNA), polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) were prepared to encapsulate and stabilize GNA surface modified by folic acid (FA) and then coated with sodium alginate (GNA@PDA-FA SA NPs) to achieve an antitumor effect by oral administration. GNA@PDA-FA SA NPs exhibited in vitro pH-sensitive release behavior. In vitro cell studies manifested that GNA@PDA-FA NPs had higher cytotoxicity to 4T1 cells compared with raw GNA (IC₅₀ = 2.58 μM vs 7.57 μM). After being modified with FA, GNA@PDA-FA NPs were taken up easily by 4T1 cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC_0→∞) of the plasma drug concentration-time of GNA@PDA-FA SA NPs was 2.97-fold higher than that of raw GNA, along with improving drug distribution in the liver, lung, and kidney tissues. In vivo anti-tumor experiments, GNA@PDA-FA SA NPs significantly inhibited the growth of breast tumors in the 4T1 xenograft breast cancer model via oral administration without obvious toxicity on major organs. Our studies indicated that the GNA@PDA-FA SA NPs modified with FA and coated with SA were a promising drug delivery system for targeting tumor therapy via oral administration.