SMEDDS for improved oral bioavailability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of licochalcone A

Exploration of formation and in vitro release mechanism of supramolecular self-assembled Licochalcone A eutectogel for food application

Licochalcone A (LCA) is extracted from licorice plants and used as a food additive. Citric acid (CA) and alanine (Ala) are food additives with good regulatory functions. This study aims to investigate the formation and in vitro release mechanism of the LCA eutectogel using supramolecular self-assembly technology. The mechanism of self-assembly indicates that the resulting eutectogel has strong intermolecular interactions. The formation mechanism of LCA eutectogel suggests that LCA is dispersed in nano form in the DES solution before self-assembly and dispersed in molecular form in the eutectogel after self-assembly. Mesoscopic MD simulation studies indicate that the interaction energy between LCA Ala-CA(5:5) eutectogel and the solvent interface is relatively low, suggesting it may have a better drug release rate, consistent with the in vitro release results. In conclusion, the study successfully prepares LCA eutectogel and provides theoretical guidance for the development and application of novel eutectogel for food application.

Development of fexofenadine self-microemulsifying delivery systems: an efficient way to improve intestinal permeability

Aim: The present study aimed to prepare and evaluate fexofenadine self-microemulsifying drug-delivery systems (SMEDDS) formulation and to determine and compare its intestinal permeability using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) technique. Methods: Fexofenadine-loaded SMEDDS were prepared and optimized. Droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug release and intestinal permeability were evaluated. Results: Optimized formulation consisted of 15% oil, 80% surfactant and 5% cosolvent. Droplet size and drug loading of optimized formulation was 13.77 nm and 60 mg/g and it has released 90% of its drug content. Intestinal permeability of fexofenadine was threefold enhanced in SMEDDS compared with free fexofenadine. Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that SMEDDS could be a promising tool for oral delivery of fexofenadine with enhanced dissolution rate and intestinal permeability.

Preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics and ulcerative colitis treatment of hyperoside-loaded mixed micelles

At present, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global disease due to its high incidence. Hyperoside (HYP) is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound with many pharmacological effects. This study aimed to develop HYP-loaded mixed micelles (HYP-M) to improve oral bioavailability of HYP and to evaluate its therapeutic effect on UC. The prepared HYP-M exhibited stable physical and chemical properties, smaller particle size (PS) (21.48 ± 1.37 nm), good polydispersity index (PDI = 0.178 ± 0.013), negative Zeta potential (ZP) (- 20.00 ± 0.48 mV) and high entrapment rate (EE) (89.59 ± 2.03%). In vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetic results showed that HYP-M significantly increased the releasing rate of HYP, wherein its oral bioavailability was 4.15 times higher than that of free HYP. In addition, HYP-M was more effective in the treatment of UC than free HYP. In conclusion, HYP-M could serve as a novel approach to improve bioavailability and increase anti-UC activity of HYP.

Isoliquiritigenin Containing PH Sensitive Micelles for Enhanced Anti-Colitis Activity

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is known to have a variety of pharmacological activities, but its poor water solubility limits its application. In order to improve the bioavailability of ISL and its anti-colitis activity, this study aims to develop an effective drug delivery system loaded with ISL. In this study, ISL pH-sensitive micelles (ISL-M) were prepared by thin film hydration method. The micellar size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), electrokinetic potential (ζ-potential), drug loading (DL), encapsulation rate (EE) and other physical parameters were characterized. The storage stability of ISL-M was tested, release in vitro and pharmacokinetic studies in rats were performed, and the anti-inflammatory effect of ISL-M on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was evaluated. The results showed that PS, PDI, ZP, EE% and DL% of ISL-M were 151.15±1.04 nm, 0.092±0.014, -31.32±0.721 mV, 93.97±1.53 % and 8.42±0.34 %, respectively. Compared with unformulated ISL (F-ISL), the cumulative release rate of ISL-M in the three different media was significantly increased and showed a certain pH sensitivity. The area under drug curve (AUC0-t) and peak concentration (Cmax) of ISL-M group were 2.94 and 4.06 times higher than those of ISL group. In addition, ISL-M is expected to develop new methods for increasing the bioavailability and anti-inflammatory activity of ISL.

Enhancing Anticancer Efficacy of Formononetin Microspheres via Microfluidic Fabrication

Formononetin is a flavonoid compound with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its low solubility limits its clinical use. We employed microfluidic technology to prepare formononetin-loaded PLGA-PEGDA microspheres (Degradable polymer PLGA, Crosslinking agent PEGDA), which can encapsulate and release drugs in a controlled manner. We optimized and characterized the microspheres, and evaluated their antitumor effects. The microspheres had uniform size, high drug loading efficiency, high encapsulation efficiency, and stable release for 35 days. They also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The antitumor mechanism involved the induction of reactive oxygen species and modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. These findings suggested that formononetin-loaded PLGA-PEGDA microspheres, created using microfluidic technology, could be a novel drug delivery system that can overcome the limitations of formononetin and enhance its antitumor activity.

Licochalcone a improves cardiac functions after ischemia-reperfusion via reduction of ferroptosis in rats

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury triggers several cell death types, including apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Licochalcone A (LCA), a natural flavonoid compound isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been demonstrated to exert potential pharmacological benefits, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of I/R and determine whether LCA can inhibit ferroptosis to prevent the myocardial I/R injury in rats. The effects of LCA on myocardial I/R injury were detected by examining the left ventricular-developed pressure and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. We conducted Western blotting analyses, ELISA assay, and quantitative real-time PCR to determine the levels of ferroptosis-related molecules. To demonstrate the cardioprotective effect of LCA in vitro, H9c2 and primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were co-treated with ferroptosis inducers (erastin, RSL3, or Fe-SP) and LCA for 16 and 24 h. Our ex vivo study showed that LCA increased the cardiac contractility, and reduced the infarct volume and ferroptosis-related biomarkers in rat hearts after I/R. Moreover, LCA reduced the levels of ferroptosis inducers-induced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis-related biomarkers in cultured H9c2 cells and cardiomyocytes. LCA also reduced the Fe-SP-increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 protein levels in cultured cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we showed that the LCA-induced cardioprotective effects in attenuating the myocardial I/R injury were correlated with ferroptosis regulation, and provided a possible new therapeutic strategy for prevention or therapy of the myocardial I/R injury.

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 24.51 nm and a zeta potential of -17.54 ± 0.51 mV. In vitro, the cumulative release rate of PPI-SMEDDS was nearly 80% within 2 h. 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.

Tetracycline-grafted mPEG-PLGA micelles for bone-targeting and osteoporotic improvement

Aim: We aimed to create a nano drug delivery system with tetracycline (TC)-grafted methoxy poly-(ethylene-glycol)‒poly-(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG‒PLGA) micelles (TC‒mPEG‒PLGA) with TC and mPEG‒PLGA for potential bone targeting. Prospectively, TC‒mPEG‒PLGA aims to deliver bioactive compounds, such as astragaloside IV (AS), for osteoporotic therapy.

Methods: Preparation and evaluation of TC‒mPEG‒PLGA were accomplished via nano-properties, cytotoxicity, uptake by MC3T3-E1 cells, ability of hydroxyapatite targeting and potential bone targeting in vivo, as well as pharmacodynamics in a rat model.

Results: The measured particle size of AS-loaded TC‒mPEG‒PLGA micelles was an average of 52.16 ± 2.44 nm, which exhibited a sustained release effect compared to that by free AS. The TC‒mPEG‒PLGA demonstrated low cytotoxicity and was easily taken by MC3T3-E1 cells. Through assaying of bone targeting in vitro and in vivo, we observed that TC‒mPEG‒PLGA could effectively increase AS accumulation in bone. A pharmacodynamics study in mice suggested potentially increased bone mineral density by AS-loaded TC‒mPEG‒PLGA in ovariectomized rats compared to that by free AS.

Conclusion: The nano drug delivery system (TC‒mPEG‒PLGA) could target bone in vitro and in vivo, wherein it may be used as a novel delivery method for the enhancement of therapeutic effects of drugs with osteoporotic activity.

Pinocembrin polymeric micellar drug delivery system: preparation, characterisation and anti-hyperuricemic activity evaluation

Aim: Hydrophobic pinocembrin (PCB) was incorporated into a new nano-drug delivery system to enhance solubility, bioavailability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of the drug.Methods: We fabricated PCB loaded polymeric micelles (PCB-FPM) by thin film dispersion method and appropriately determined their physical characteristics. The oral relative bioavailability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of PCB-FPM and free PCB were observed.Results: The optimum particle size of the micelles was 19.90 ± 0.93 nm. PCB-FPM exhibited great stability within 18 days, coupled with lower cytotoxicity and higher biocompatibility. Moreover, the percent cumulative release of PCB-FPM was much higher than free PCB in the dissolution media. The oral bioavailability of PCB-FPM was increased by 2.61 times compared with free PCB. Uric acid (UA) level of rats was reduced in PCB-FPM group (200 mg/kg) by 78.82% comparable to the model control.Conclusion: PCB-FPM may become an ideal strategy to increase oral in-vivo availability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of PCB.

Flavonoids: Food associations, therapeutic mechanisms, metabolism and nanoformulations

Flavonoids possess an impressive therapeutic potential, thereby imparting them a nutraceutical character. As it becomes increasingly common to consume foods associated with healing properties, it is imperative to understand the associations of different foods with different classes of nutraceutic compounds, and their mechanisms of therapeutic action. At the same time, it is important to address the limitations thereof so that plausible future directions may be drawn. This review summarizes the food associations of flavonoids, and discusses the mechanisms responsible for imparting them their nutraceutic properties, detailing the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway, inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways such as toll-like receptor (TLR), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase-2 (LOX-2) mediators. Further on, the review explains the mechanism of flavonoids metabolism, reasons for low bioavailability and thereafter recapitulates the role of technological interventions to overcome the limitations, with a particular focus on nanoformulations that utilize the synergy between flavonoids and biocompatible materials used as nanocarriers, as reported in works spanning over a decade. It is the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) classified carriers that will become the basis for developing functional formulations. It is promisingly noteworthy that some flavonoid formulations have been commercialized and mentioned therein. Such commercially viable and safe for consumption technological applications pave way for bringing science to the table, and add value to the innate properties of flavonoids.

Katsuwonus pelamis Peptide and its Complexes Protect Zebrafish and Mice From Hyperuricemia Through Promoting Kidney Excretion of Uric Acid and Inhibiting Liver Xanthine Oxidase Activity

Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes have the effect of lowering uric acid (UA)-levels. To identify the effect and possible mechanisms, different concentrations of Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes were administered to the zebrafish and mice hyperuricemia models, and the UA level was measured. Meanwhile, the hyperuricemic mice were treated orally at 0.83, 1.67, and 5.00 mg/g body weight for 7 days with Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and the complexes groups, separately. The levels of serum UA (SUA), urinary UA (UUA), serum creatinine (SCR), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities were detected in each group. The results showed that the Katsuwonus pelamis peptide (125 μg/ml) and its complexes (83.3 and 250 μg/ml) effectively reduced UA level in zebrafish with hyperuricemia (p < 0.05). The Katsuwonus pelamis peptide at high concentration (5.00 mg/g) decreased the SUA level, SCR level, BUN level, and hepatic XOD activity, and the complexes (1.67 and 5.00 mg/g) significantly reduced the SUA level and hepatic XOD activity (p < 0.05) in the hyperuricemic mice. In addition, in a hyperuricemic mouse model, the UUA level was increased after treatment with Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes at high concentrations (p < 0.05). The total therapeutic effects in the Katsuwonus pelamis peptide complex group were better than those in the Katsuwonus pelamis peptide group. Thus, Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes may possibly be used to prevent hyperuricemia via promoting urate secretion and inhibiting XOD activity production.

Role of Licochalcone A in Potential Pharmacological Therapy: A Review

Licochalcone A (LA), a useful and valuable flavonoid, is isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. and widely used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. We systematically updated the latest information on the pharmacology of LA over the past decade from several authoritative internet databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. A combination of keywords containing “Licochalcone A,” “Flavonoid,” and “Pharmacological Therapy” was used to help ensure a comprehensive review. Collected information demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties for LA, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, bone protection, blood glucose and lipid regulation, neuroprotection, and skin protection. LA activity is mediated through several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, NF-κB, and P38. Caspase-3 apoptosis, MAPK inflammatory, and Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathways are also involved with multiple therapeutic targets, such as TNF-α, VEGF, Fas, FasL, PI3K, AKT, and caspases. Recent studies mainly focus on the anticancer properties of LA, which suggests that the pharmacology of other aspects of LA will need additional study. At the end of this review, current challenges and future research directions on LA are discussed. This review is divided into three parts based on the pharmacological effects of LA for the convenience of readers. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research.

Design, Characterization, and Evaluation of Diosmetin-Loaded Solid Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System Prepared by Electrospray for Improved Bioavailability

Diosmetin (DIOS) is a functional compound with poor water solubility, bad permeability, and crystal form. Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was an effective formulation to overcome these shortcomings. In this study, liquid SMEDDS was prepared using Capmul® MCM C8 EP/NF, Cremophor EL, and PEG 400 (2:5.6:2.4, w/w/w) as excipients. Then, the novel technology of electrospray solidified liquid SMEDDS and prepared solid SMEDDS for inhibiting crystallization. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was used as carrier to construct DIOS-loaded solid SMEDDS, with polyethylene oxide (PEO) contributing to the formation of regular sphere in the process of spinning. The particle size of solid SMEDDS (194 ± 5 nm) was much bigger than of liquid SMEDDS (25 ± 1 nm), while DIOS-loaded solid SMEDDS showed greater dissolution rates in pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 media through in vitro drug release study. The solid nanoparticles were smooth and uniform from the graph of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The graph of a transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that small droplets were loaded in the matrix. Furthermore, DIOS was encapsulated by matrix in amorphous state via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The crystalline of DIOS was not formed in solid SMEDDS due to the characteristic peaks of DIOS disappeared in X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. Therefore, the oral bioavailability of DIOS improved significantly compared with liquid SMEDDS (4.27-fold). Hence, solid SMEDDS could improve the solubility and bioavailability of DIOS, through transfer of the state of crystalline to amorphous by electrospray technology.

Formulation and Evaluation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Derived Tablet Containing Sertraline

Being a biopharmaceutics classification system class II drug, the absorption of sertraline from the gut is mainly limited by its poor aqueous solubility. The objective of this investigation was to improve the solubility of sertraline utilizing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and developing it into a tablet dosage form. Ternary phase diagrams were created to identify nanoemulsion regions by fixing oil (glycerol triacetate) and water while varying the surfactant (Tween 80) and co-surfactant (PEG 200) ratio (S_mix). A three-factor, two-level (2³) full factorial design (batches F1–F8) was utilized to check the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. Selected SNEDDS (batch F4) was solidified into powder by solid carrier adsorption method and compressed into tablets. The SNEDDS-loaded tablets were characterized for various pharmaceutical properties, drug release and evaluated in vivo in Wistar rats. A larger isotropic region was noticed with a S_mix ratio of 2:1 and the nanoemulsion exhibited good stability. Screening studies’ data established that all three independent factors influence the dependent variables. The prepared tablets displayed optimal pharmaceutical properties within acceptable limits. In vitro sertraline release demonstrated from solid SNEDDS was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) as compared to pure sertraline. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and X-Ray Diffraction data established the amorphous state of the drug in SNEDDS formulation, while FTIR spectra indicate the compatibility of excipients and drug. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of the SNEDDS tablet demonstrated significant increment (p < 0.0001) in AUC_0-α (~5-folds), C_max (~4-folds), and relative bioavailability (386%) as compared to sertraline suspension. The current study concludes that the solid SNEDDS formulation could be a practicable and effective strategy for oral therapy of sertraline.

Preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics, and antirenal injury activity studies of Licochalcone A-loaded liposomes

A liposome of Licochalcone A (LCA-Liposomes) was purposively prepared to ameliorate the low in vivo availability and efficacy of LCA. Physical characterization of LCA-Liposomes was carried out mainly by determining particle size, morphology, zeta potential (Z-potential), and efficiency of LCA encapsulation (EE) via appropriate techniques. Also, the rate of LCA release in vitro and distribution in vivo (plasma and tissues) was evaluated. Evaluation of the antirenal activity of LCA-liposomes was carried out by establishing chronic renal failure (CRF) model in mice through intragastric administration of adenine (200 mg/kg) and subsequent determination of biochemical parameters and examination of tissue sections. Respectively, the mean size of liposomal particles, Z-potential and EE of LCA-Liposomes were 71.78 ± 0.99 nm, -38.49 ± 0.06 mV, and 97.67 ± 1.72%. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies showed that LCA-Liposomes could improve the availability of LCA in the blood and tissues, whereas during pharmacodynamics studies, the liposome effectively improved the therapeutic effect of LCA on CRF mice by potentially protecting the renal tissues while exhibiting antioxidant activity. In conclusion, LCA-Liposomes could effectively improve the bioavailability of LCA and provide platform for the development of LCA-related functional products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As a traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. LCA is a small molecule flavonoid extracted from the root of licorice. In this study, LCA was loaded on liposome carriers, which significantly improved the water solubility and oral bioavailability, and proved that LCA-Liposomes have certain therapeutic effects on chronic renal failure, thereby providing a basis for the development of LCA into drugs or functional food in the future.