Development and evaluation of doxorubicin self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system with Nigella Sativa oil against human hepatocellular carcinoma

Pharmaceutical Nanoplatforms Based on Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems for Optimal Transport and Co-delivery of siRNAs and Anticancer Drugs

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have the ability to induce selective gene silencing, although siRNAs are vulnerable to degradation in vivo. Various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are currently used as effective therapeutics in the treatment of cancer. However, routes of administration are limited due to their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. This research aimed to develop oral pharmaceutical formulations based on self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for optimal transport and co-delivery of siRNAs related to cancer and APIs. Formulations were developed using optimal mixing design (Design-Expert 11 software) for SNEDDS loading with siRNA (water/oil emulsion), API (oil/water emulsion), and siRNA-API (multiphase water/oil/water emulsion). The final formulations were characterized physicochemically and biologically. The nanosystems less than 50 nm in size had a drug loading above 48 %. The highest drug release occurred at intestinal pH, allowing drug protection in physiological fluids. SNEDDS-siRNA-APIs showed a twofold toxicity effect than APIs in solution and higher transfection and internalization of siRNA in cancer cells with respect to free siRNAs. In the duodenum, higher permeability was observed with SNEDDS-API than with the API solution, as determined by ex-vivo fluorescence microscopy. The multifunctional formulation based on SNEDDS was successfully prepared, siRNA, hydrophobic chemotherapeutics (doxorubicin, valrubicin and methotrexate) and photosensitizers (rhodamine b and protoporphyrin IX) agents were loaded, using a chitosan-RNA core, and Labrafil® M 1944 CS, Cremophor® RH40, phosphatidylcholine shell, forming stable hybrid SNEDDS as multiphasic emulsion, suitable as co-delivery system with a potent anticancer activity.

Plant-based foods and hepatocellular carcinoma: A review on mechanistic understanding

Regardless of etiology, hepatocarcinogenesis is frequently preceded by a distinctive sequence of chronic necroinflammation, compensatory hepatic regeneration, development of hepatic fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. The liver being central immunomodulators, closely maintains immunotolerance. Any dysregulation in this management of immunotolerance is a hallmark of chronic hepatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apart from other malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for 90% of liver cancers. Several emerging evidences have recognized diet as lifestyle associated risk factor in HCC development. However, natural compounds have the potential to fight hepatoma aggressiveness via inhibition of cellular proliferation and modulation of oncogenic pathways. This review aimed to identify the several plant-based foods for their protective role in HCC prevention by understating the molecular mechanisms involved in inhibition of progression and proliferation of cancer. Information from relevant publications in which several plant-based foods demonstrated protective potential against HCC has been integrated as well as evaluated. For data integration, Science direct, Google scholar, and Scopus websites were used. Nutrition-based approaches in the deterrence of several cancers offer a substantial benefit to currently used medical therapies and should be implemented more often as an adjunct to first-line medical therapy. Furthermore, the inclusion of these plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices) may improve general health and decline cancer incidence.

Effects of Dichloromethane and N-Butanol Fractions of Nigella sativa on ACHN and GP-293 Cell Line Morphology, Viability, and Apoptosis

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is among the top death-causing cancers. Medicinal herbs can also have beneficial effects on RCC treatment. In this project, we aimed to study the antitumor effect of dichloromethane and N-butanol fractions of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on the morphology, viability, and apoptosis of ACHN (human renal adenocarcinoma) and GP-293 (normal renal epithelial) cell lines.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, N-butanol and dichloromethane fractions of N. sativa were obtained, and ACHN and GP293 cell lines were treated with various concentrations of dichloromethane (0-100 μg/mL) and N-butanol (0-12.5 μg/mL) fractions for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Then, morphological changes, viability, and apoptosis were investigated.

Results

Our results indicated that dichloromethane and N-butanol fractions cause morphological changes and significant decreases in the percentage of live cells in the ACHN cell line, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In the GP-293 cell line, however, a lower toxicity was observed in comparison with that found for ACHN. The results of flow cytometry showed an apoptotic effect of dichloromethane and N-butanol fractions on the ACHN cell line but a higher rate of apoptosis induction for the total extract compared to the two fractions in the renal cancer cell line compared to the normal cell line.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that these two fractions of N. sativa induce inhibitory effects on the ACHN cell line morphology and viability. These effects were lower than those induced by the total extract. In addition, the two fractions caused more marked effects in the renal cancer cell line compared with the GP-293 cell line.

Effect of Nigella sativa on Selected Gastrointestinal Diseases

Nigella sativa L. (family Ranunculaceae), also known as black cumin, has been used in cuisine around the world for many years. Due to its health-promoting properties, it can be used not only in the food industry but also in medicine. The main bioactive compound contained in the black cumin extract is thymoquinone (TQ), which has a special therapeutic role. The results of research in recent years confirmed its hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, and hepatoprotective effects, among others. In addition, the results of laboratory tests also indicate its immunomodulatory and anticancer effects, although there is still a lack of data on the mechanisms of how they are involved in the fight against cancer. Including this plant material in one’s diet can be both an element of prophylaxis and therapy supporting the treatment process, including pharmacological treatment. However, attention should be paid to its potential interactions with drugs used in the treatment of chronic diseases.

Coconut oil based self-nano emulsifying delivery systems mitigate ulcerogenic NSAIDs side effect and enhance drug dissolution: Formula optimization, in-vitro, and in-vivo assessments

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal ailment that affects many people worldwide. NSAIDs induced ulcers are the second most common etiology of gastric ulcers. Coconut oil has well-known potential anti-ulcerogenic characteristics. This work aimed to develop and optimize diclofenac potassium (a highly used model drug of NSAIDs) as self-nanoemulsifying delivery system containing coconut oil (DFP-COSNEDS) to overcome its ulcerogenic effect. A mixture design was applied for formula optimization and investigation of the effect of different formulation factors on the droplet size (DS) and polydispersity index (PDI) of the prepared DFP-COSNEDS. The optimized formulae showed good self-emulsification characters and better drug dissolution compared with the drug suspension. The ulcer protection was assessed in-vivo using 7 groups of adult male Wistar rats. Oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, and SOD), inflammatory mediators (PGE-2, TNF-α, and IL-6) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene expression were measured. The results revealed that pure coconut oil and DFP-COSNEDS containing 25 % of coconut oil showed close figures to normal group and better values than famotidine (FAM) group. In conclusion, coconut oil showed high potential for gastric-protection activity against DFP induced ulcer. DFP-COSNEDS offers dual benefits of improving DFP dissolution and alleviating its ulcerogenic effect.

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.

Nanotechnology strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy threatening human health, and existing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are facing great challenges. In the last decade or so, nanotechnology has been developed and improved for tumor diagnosis and treatment. For example, nano-intravenous injections have been approved for malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of nanotechnology in HCC in recent years: (I) in radiological imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging (FMI) and multimodality imaging. (II) For diagnostic applications in HCC serum markers. (III) As embolic agents in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or directly as therapeutic drugs. (IV) For application in photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. (V) As carriers of chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted drugs, and natural plant drugs. (VI) For application in gene and immunotherapy. Compared with the traditional methods for diagnosis and treatment of HCC, nanoparticles have high sensitivity, reduce drug toxicity and have a long duration of action, and can also be combined with photothermal and photodynamic multimodal combination therapy. These summaries provide insights for the further development of nanotechnology applications in HCC.

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.

Lipid based nanoparticles as a novel treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive review on targeting and recent advances

Liver cancer is considered one of the deadliest diseases with one of the highest disease burdens worldwide. Among the different types of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma is considered to be the most common type. Multiple conventional approaches are being used in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Focusing on drug treatment, regular agents in conventional forms fail to achieve the intended clinical outcomes. In order to improve the treatment outcomes, utilizing nanoparticles-specifically lipid based nanoparticles-are considered to be one of the most promising approaches being set in motion. Multiple forms of lipid based nanoparticles exist including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, phytosomes, lipid coated nanoparticles, and nanoassemblies. Multiple approaches are used to enhance the tumor uptake as well tumor specificity such as intratumoral injection, passive targeting, active targeting, and stimuli responsive nanoparticles. In this review, the effect of utilizing lipidic nanoparticles is being discussed as well as the different tumor uptake enhancement techniques used.

Development of 3D-Printed, Liquisolid and Directly Compressed Glimepiride Tablets, Loaded with Black Seed Oil Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

Glimepiride is characterized by an inconsistent dissolution and absorption profile due to its limited aqueous solubility. The aim of this study was to develop glimepiride tablets using three different manufacturing techniques, as well as to study their quality attributes and pharmacokinetics behavior. Black seed oil based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation was developed and characterized. Glimepiride liquisolid and directly compressed tablets were prepared and their pre-compression and post-compression characteristics were evaluated. Semi-solid pastes loaded with SNEDDS were prepared and used to develop three-dimensional printing tablets utilizing the extrusion technique. In vivo comparative pharmacokinetics study was conducted on Male Wistar rats using a single dose one-period parallel design. The developed SNEDDS formulation showed a particle size of 45.607 ± 4.404 nm, and a glimepiride solubility of 25.002 ± 0.273 mg/mL. All the studied tablet formulations showed acceptable pre-compression and post-compression characteristics and a difference in their in vitro drug release behavior. The surface of the liquisolid and directly compressed tablets was smooth and non-porous, while the three-dimensional printing tablets showed a few porous surfaces. The inner structure of the liquisolid tablets showed some cracks and voids between the incorporated tablet ingredients while that of the three-dimensional printing tablets displayed some tortuosity and a gel porous-like structure. Most of the computed pharmacokinetic parameters improved with the liquisolid and three-dimensional printed tablets. The relative bioavailabilities of the three-dimensional printed and liquisolid tablets compared to commercial product were 121.68% and 113.86%, respectively. Therefore, the liquisolid and three-dimensional printed tablets are promising techniques for modifying glimepiride release and improving in vivo performance but more clinical investigations are required.

HMGB1 Promotes Resistance to Doxorubicin in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Inducing Autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Chemoresistance remains as a major hindrance in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) enhances autophagic flux and protects tumor cells from apoptosis, which results in acquired drug resistance. However, the exact mechanisms underlying HMGB1-modulated autophagy in HCC chemoresistance remain to be defined. In the present study, we found that administration of doxorubicin (DOX) significantly promoted HMGB1 expression and induced HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation in human HCC cell lines BEL7402 and SMMC7721, which enhanced autophagy that contributes to protecting HCC cells from apoptosis and increasing drug resistance. Moreover, we observed HMGB1 translocation and elevation of autophagy in DOX-resistant BEL7402 and SMMC7721 cells. Additionally, inhibition of HMGB1 and autophagy increased the sensitivities of BEL-7402 and SMMC-7721 cells to DOX and re-sensitized their DOX-resistant cells. Subsequently, we confirmed with HMGB1 regulated autophagy by activating the 5ʹ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR pathway. In summary, our results indicate that HMGB1 promotes acquired DOX resistance in DOX-treated BEL7402 and SMMC7721 cells by enhancing autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide the proof-of-concept that HMGB1 inhibitors might be an important targeted treatment strategy for HCC.

Enhancement of Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Standardized Frankincense Extract Using Optimized Self-Nanoemulsifying Delivery System

Boswellic acids (BAs) are the main bioactive compounds of frankincense, a natural resin obtained from the genus Boswellia. This study aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying delivery system (SNEDS) to improve the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of standardized frankincense extract (Fr-extract). Fr-extract was standardized, and BA content was quantified using the developed HPLC-UV method. Screening studies of excipients followed by formula optimization using a mixture simplex lattice design was employed. The optimized Fr-SENDS formulation was characterized. Furthermore, microbiological and antiproliferative assessments of the standardized Fr-extract and Fr-SNEDS were evaluated. Quantification demonstrated that the major constituent is 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) (16.25%) among BA content (44.96%). The optimized Fr-SENDS (composed of 5% CapryolTM 90, 48.7% Gelucire® 44/14 and 46.3% ethanol) showed spherical nanosized dispersions with DS, PDI, and zeta potential of 17.9 nm, 0.2, and −14.5 mV, respectively. Fr-SNEDS exhibited lower MIC and MBC values compared with Fr-extract against pathogens conjugated with lung cancer and was comparable to reference antimicrobials. Fr-SNEDS showed superior antiproliferative activity over Fr-extract, with IC50 values of 20.49 and 109.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In conclusion, the optimized Fr-SNEDS could be easily developed and manufactured at a low cost and the in vitro results support its use as a potential adjuvant oral therapy for lung cancer. Further in vivo studies could be continued to assess the therapeutic efficiency of the prepared system.

Nigella sativa callus treated with sodium azide exhibit augmented antioxidant activity and DNA damage inhibition

Nigella sativa L. (NS) is an herbaceous plant, possessing phytochemicals of therapeutic importance. Thymoquinone is one of the active phytochemicals of NS that confers noteworthy antioxidant properties. Sodium azide, an agent of abiotic stress, can modulates antioxidant system in plants. In the present investigation, sodium azide (0, 5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM and 200 µM) doses administered to the in vitro NS callus cultures for production/modification of secondary metabolites with augmented activity. 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus exhibited maximum peroxidase activity (1.286 ± 0.101 nanokatal mg^-1 protein) and polyphenol oxidase activity (1.590 ± 0.110 nanokatal mg^-1 protein), while 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus for optimum catalase activity (1.250 ± 0.105 nanokatal mg^-1 protein). Further, 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus obtained significantly the highest phenolics (3.666 ± 0.475 mg g^-1 callus fresh weight), 20 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest flavonoids (1.308 ± 0.082 mg g^-1 callus fresh weight) and 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest carotenes (1.273 ± 0.066 mg g^-1 callus fresh weight). However, NS callus exhibited a decrease in thymoquinone yield/content vis-à-vis possible emergence of its analog with 5.3 min retention time and an increase in antioxidant property. Treatment with 200 µM sodium azide registered significantly the lowest percent yield of callus extract (4.6 ± 0.36 mg g^-1 callus fresh weight) and thymoquinone yield (16.65 ± 2.52 µg g^-1 callus fresh weight) and content (0.36 ± 0.07 mg g^-1 callus dry weight) and the highest antioxidant activity (3.873 ± 0.402%), signifying a negative correlation of the former with the latter. DNA damage inhibition (24.3 ± 1.7%) was recorded significantly maximum at 200 µM sodium azide treatment. Sodium azide treated callus also recorded emergence of a new peak at 5.3 min retention time (possibly an analog of thymoquinone with augmented antioxidant activity) whose area exhibits significantly negative correlation with callus extract yield and thymoquinone yield/content and positive correlation with antioxidant activity and in vitro DNA damage inhibition. Thus, sodium azide treatment to NS callus confers possible production of secondary metabolites or thymoquinone analog (s) responsible for elevated antioxidant property and inhibition to DNA damage. The formation of potent antioxidants through sodium azide treatment to NS could be worthy for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Design and characterization of propolis extract loaded self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system as immunostimulant

This current study aims to optimize, characterize, and observe the stability of the self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of propolis extract (PE) for improving the immune response. Optimization of the selected composition of SNEDDS was conducted using a D-optimal mixture design. SNEDDS was prepared by loading 150 mg/mL of PE in oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant phases. The thermodynamic stability test was carried out with phase separation parameters followed by the robustness to dilution and accelerated stability test. The immunostimulant activity was examined in vitro and in vivo by determining the phagocytic activity, cell proliferation, production of nitrite oxide levels of RAW 264.7 cells, phagocytic activity of macrophages, and the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. The formula optimization showed that the formula containing Capryol-90, Cremophor RH40, and PEG 400 at a ratio of 30: 34: 36 was optimum. The verification response of the optimum formula with drug loading showed that the transmittance, droplet size, and zeta potential were 96.90 ± 0.00%, 28.7 ± 1.20 nm, and -56.5 ± 2.05 mV, respectively. The thermodynamic stability test and robustness to dilution did not find any separation phase. The accelerated stability test results were classified as stable. The in vitro and in vivo immunostimulant activity test showed that PE-loaded SNEDDS exhibited a higher immunostimulant effect than PE. In conclusion, the optimum and stable composition of PE loaded SNEDDS was found with a simple and accurate method using the D-Optimal mixture design and demonstrated an immunostimulant activity.

Thymoquinone-Loaded Soluplus®-Solutol® HS15 Mixed Micelles: Preparation, In Vitro Characterization, and Effect on the SH-SY5Y Cell Migration

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active ingredient of Nigella sativa essential oil, with remarkable anti-neoplastic activities with anti-invasive and anti-migratory abilities on a variety of cancer cell lines. However, its poor water solubility, high instability in aqueous solution and pharmacokinetic drawbacks limits its use in therapy. Soluplus^® and Solutol^® HS15 were employed as amphiphilic polymers for developing polymeric micelles (SSM). Chemical and physical characterization studies of micelles are reported, in terms of size, homogeneity, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration (CMC), cloud point, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), load capacity (DL), in vitro release, and stability. This study reports for the first time the anti-migratory activity of TQ and TQ loaded in SSM (TQ-SSM) in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. The inhibitory effect was assessed by the wound-healing assay and compared with that of the unformulated TQ. The optimal TQ-SSM were provided with small size (56.71 ± 1.41 nm) and spherical shape at ratio of 1:4 (Soluplus:Solutol HS15), thus increasing the solubility of about 10-fold in water. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading were 92.4 ± 1.6% and 4.68 ± 0.12, respectively, and the colloidal dispersion are stable during storage for a period of 40 days. The TQ-SSM were also lyophilized to obtain a more workable product and with increased stability. In vitro release study indicated a prolonged release of TQ. In conclusion, the formulation of TQ into SSM allows a bio-enhancement of TQ anti-migration activity, suggesting that TQ-SSM is a better candidate than unformulated TQ to inhibit human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell migration.

Improved hepatoprotective activity of Beta vulgaris L. leaf extract loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS): in vitro and in vivo evaluation

OBJECTIVE

Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot) is a vegetable plant rich in phytochemical compounds such as phenolic acids, carotenoids and flavonoids. The objective of the current study is the development and optimization of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) to enhance the hepatoprotective activity of beet leaf (BL) extract.

METHODS

Total flavonoids content was estimated in the BL extract and its solubility was evaluated in various vehicles to select proper component combinations. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed employing olive, linseed, castor and sesame oils (oil phase), Tween^® 20 (Tw20) and Tween^® 80 (Tw80) (surfactants (SAs)) as well as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and propylene glycol (PG) (co-surfactants (Co-SAs)). Optimization of formulations from the phase diagrams took place through testing their thermodynamic stability, dispersibility and robustness to dilution.

RESULTS

Four optimized BL-SNEDDS formulations, comprising linseed oil or olive oil, Tw80 and DMSO at two SA/Co-SA ratios (2:1 or 3:1) were chosen. They exhibited high cloud point and percentage transmittance values with spherical morphology of mean droplet sizes ranging from 14.67 to 16.06 nm and monodisperse distribution with negatively charged zeta potential < -9.51 mV. The in vitro release profiles of the optimized formulations in pH 1.2 and 6.8 were nearly similar, with a non-Fickian release mechanism. In vivo evaluation of BL-SNEDDSs hepatoprotective activity in a thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity rat model depicted promoted liver functions, inflammatory markers and histopathological findings, most prominently in the group treated by F7.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that SNEDDS, as a nanocarrier system, has potential to improve the hepatoprotective activity of the BL extract.

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.