In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of Berberine-Loaded Microparticles Filled In-House 3D Printed Hollow Capsular Device for Improved Oral Bioavailability

Berberine, a natural alkaloid: Advances in its pharmacological effects and mechanisms in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

The rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases poses a significant challenge to global public health. Continual exploration of natural compounds for effective treatments for autoimmune diseases is crucial. Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, is a bioactive component found in various medicinal plants, exhibiting diverse pharmacological properties. This review aims to consolidate the current understanding of berberine's pharmacological effects and mechanisms in addressing four autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. Overall, as a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, berberine shows promise as an effective and safe treatment for autoimmune diseases. However, further comprehensive studies, particularly clinical trials, are essential to elucidate additional mechanisms and molecular targets, as well as to assess the efficacy and safety of berberine in treating these autoimmune diseases.

Berberine HCl and diacerein loaded dual delivery transferosomes: Formulation and optimization using Box-Behnken design

Introduction

Berberine is a poorly water-soluble alkaloid compound showing significant anti-inflammatory characteristics. It reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α, IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL-23, IL-12, and IL-23). Diacerein significantly reduces the splenomegaly associated with psoriasis. It downregulates the production of TNF-α and IL-12.

Method

This study reported the development of transferosomes containing berberine HCl and diacerein using a film hydration method followed by optimization using a Box-Behnken design. Sodium deoxycholate was used as an edge activator. The impact of independent variables (amount of phosphatidylcholine, amount of edge activator, and sonication cycles) on dependent variables (particle size and entrapment efficiency) was examined. The optimized formulation was characterized for polydispersity index, vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, ζ potential, spectral analysis like Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, deformability, transmission electron microscopy, antioxidant assay, in-vitro release, and ex-vivo skin permeation studies.

Results

The optimized formulation had a particle size of 110.90±2.8 nm with high entrapment efficiency (89.50±1.5 of berberine HCl and 91.23±1.8 of diacerein). Deformability, polydispersity index, ζ potential, and antioxidant activity of the optimized formulation were 2.44, 0.296, -13.3, and 38.36 %, respectively. Optimized transferosomes exhibited 82.093±0.81 % and 85.02±3.81 % release of berberine HCl and diacerein after 24 h of dissolution study. The transdermal flux of optimized formulation was 0.0224 μg cm-2 h-1 (2.24 cm h-1 permeation coefficient) and 0.0462 μg cm-2 h-1 (4.62 cm h-1 permeation coefficient), respectively, for berberine HCl and diacerein. Raman analysis of treated pig skin confirmed that the transferosomes can permeate the skin. No change in the skin condition or irritation was observed in BALB/c mice. Formulation stored at 4 and 25±2 °C / 60±5 % relative humidity was stable for 3 months.

Conclusions

Thus, the results demonstrated successful optimization of the transferosomes for the efficient topical delivery of berberine HCl and diacerein in the effective management of psoriasis.

The Prospects of Phytomedicines and Nanomedicines to Treat Leishmaniasis: A Comprehensive Review

The global shift in lifestyle has prompted health agencies to redirect their focus from poverty-related diseases to the emergence of lifestyle diseases prevalent in privileged regions. As a result, these diseases have been labeled as "neglected diseases," receiving limited research attention, funding, and resources. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) encompass a diverse group of vector-borne protozoal diseases that are prevalent in tropical areas worldwide. Among these NTDs is leishmaniasis, a disease that affects populations globally and manifests as skin abnormalities, internal organ involvement, and mucous-related abnormalities. Due to the lack of effective and safe medicines and vaccines, it is crucial to explore alternative resources. Phytomedicine, which comprises therapeutic herbal constituents with anti-leishmanial properties, holds promise but is limited by its poor physicochemical properties. The emerging field of nanomedicine has shown remarkable potential in revitalizing the anti-leishmanial efficacy of these phytoconstituents. In this investigation, we aim to highlight and discuss key plant constituents in combination with nanotechnology that have been explored in the fight against leishmaniasis.

Facile fabrication of an extended-release tablet of Ticagrelor using three dimensional printing technology

The objective of the study was to fabricate tailored extended-release tablets of blood thinner Ticagrelor as once-daily dosing using additive manufacturing for better compliance in heart failure therapy. The solid work design of the tablet was printed using hot melt extrusion (HME) based 3D printing by optimized mixture of Eudragit RS-100, plasticizer and drug for producing extrudable and printable filaments. FTIR and TGA results showed no covalent interaction among ingredients and no decomposition during HME process, respectively. Friability, weight variation, assay and content uniformity tests met USP requirements, while the mean hardness of the tablets was calculated in a value between 40 and 50 kg. According to DSC and XRD results, the crystallinity state of the Ticagrelor was converted to an amorphous one in the tablet matrix. Smooth surfaces with multiple deposited layers were observed using SEM. In comparison, the maximum Ticagrelor release of 100% after 120 min from Brilinta® tablets was decreased to 97% in 400 min from the 3D tablet at infill of 90%. Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model showed the drug release mechanism is affected by diffusion and swelling. In general, fabrication of the extended-release 3D printed tablet of Ticagrelor using HME-based-additive manufacturing has the potential to provide specific doses with tailored kinetic release for personalized medicine, improving adherence at point-of-care.

Enhanced drug delivery and wound healing potential of berberine-loaded chitosan-alginate nanocomposite gel: characterization and in vivo assessment

Berberine-encapsulated polyelectrolyte nanocomposite (BR-PolyET-NC) gel was developed as a long-acting improved wound healing therapy. BR-PolyET-NC was developed using an ionic gelation/complexation method and thereafter loaded into Carbopol gel. Formulation was optimized using Design-Expert® software implementing a three-level, three-factor Box Behnken design (BBD). The concentrations of polymers, namely, chitosan and alginate, and calcium chloride were investigated based on particle size and %EE. Moreover, formulation characterized in vitro for biopharmaceutical performances and their wound healing potency was evaluated in vivo in adult BALB/c mice. The particle distribution analysis showed a nanocomposite size of 71 ± 3.5 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.45, ζ-potential of +22 mV, BR entrapment of 91 ± 1.6%, and loading efficiency of 12.5 ± 0.91%. Percentage drug release was recorded as 89.50 ± 6.9% with pH 6.8, thereby simulating the wound microenvironment. The in vitro investigation of the nanocomposite gel revealed uniform consistency, well spreadability, and extrudability, which are ideal for topical wound use. The analytical estimation executed using FT-IR, DSC, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated successful formulation with no drug excipients and without the amorphous state. The colony count of microbes was greatly reduced in the BR-PolyET-NC treated group on the 15th day from up to 6 CFU compared to 20 CFU observed in the BR gel treated group. The numbers of monocytes and lymphocytes counts were significantly reduced following healing progression, which reached to a peak level and vanished on the 15th day. The observed experimental characterization and in vivo study indicated the effectiveness of the developed BR-PolyET-NC gel toward wound closure and healing process, and it was found that >99% of the wound closed by 15th day, stimulated via various anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

Novel co-crystal of 3-methylcinnamic acid with berberine (1:1): synthesis, characterization, and intestinal absorption property

OBJECTIVE

To synthesis a novel 'Pharmaceutical Cocrystal' of berberine (BBR) with coformer 3-methylcinnamic acid (3MCA) for increasing its solubility and intestinal absorption property.

SIGNIFICANCE

BBR-HCl has poor liposolubility, difficulty in penetrating the cell membrane and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, low bioavailability, and limited clinical application. A new cocrystal is formed by the interaction between 3-MCA and BBR through molecular interaction, which improves the physicochemical properties, intestinal absorption property, and hygroscopicity.

METHODS

The solvent evaporation method was used to synthesize BCR-3MCA cocrystal. The physicochemical properties of the crystals were confirmed by different spectral techniques, i.e. by X-ray diffraction (PXRD, SXRD), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hygroscopicity of the cocrystal was evaluated by dynamic water vapor sorption (DVS). The intestinal absorption property was evaluated by the Ussing chamber system.

RESULTS

BBR and 3MCA can be directly self-assembled into uniform co-crystal by hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. Compared with BBR-HCl, the solubility of BBR-3MCA cocrystal in polar solvents of water, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol increased by 13.9, 1.5, 4.7, and 15.8 times, respectively. The apparent absorption and the absorption rate constants were increased by 7.7 and 5.6 times, respectively. Surprisingly, BBR-3MCA co-crystal almost had no hygroscopicity.

CONCLUSION

The absolute molecular structure of the co-crystal was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The hydrogen bonds drove the formation of X-like one-dimensional unit. Compared to the BBR-HCl, BBR-3MCA cocrystal displayed superior dissolution and solubility performance, improved physical-chemical properties and significantly improved intestinal absorption.

Pharmacokinetic of berberine, the main constituent of Berberis vulgaris L.: A comprehensive review

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) is a medicinal plant and its main constituent is an isoquinoline alkaloid named berberine that has multiple pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetes, anti-dyslipidemia, and anti-obesity. However, it has restricted clinical uses due to its very poor solubility and bioavailability (less than 1%). It undergoes demethylenation, reduction, and cleavage of the dioxymethylene group in the first phase of metabolism. Its phase two reactions include glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation. The liver is the main site for berberine distribution. Berberine could excrete in feces, urine, and bile. Fecal excretion of berberine (11-23%) is higher than urinary and biliary excretion routes. However, a major berberine metabolite is excreted in urine greater than in feces. Concomitant administration of berberine with other drugs such as metformin, cyclosporine A, digoxin, etc. may result in important interactions. Thus, in this review, we gathered and dissected any related animal and human research articles regarding the pharmacokinetic parameters of berberine including bioavailability, metabolism, distribution, excretion, and drug-drug interactions. Also, we discussed and gathered various animal and human studies regarding the developed products of berberine with better bioavailability and consequently, better therapeutic effects.

Customized 3D-printed hollow capsular device filled with norfloxacin-loaded micropellets for controlled-release delivery

Pharmacotherapy has become more focused on the personalized treatment of patients with various diseases. This field of pharmacology and pharmacogenomics focuses on developing drug delivery systems designed to address the unique characteristics of individual patients. Three-dimensional printing technology can be used to fabricate personalized drug delivery systems with desired release properties according to patient needs. Norfloxacin (NOR)-loaded micropellets (MPs) were fabricated and filled inside a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology-mediated hollow capsular device in accordance with a standard size of 09 (8.4 mm length × 2.70 mm diameter). The prepared 3D-printed hollow capsular device filled with pristine NOR and NOR-loaded MPs were characterized in terms of both in vitro and in vivo means. MPs with the particle size distribution of 1540.0 ± 26 µm showed 95.63 ± 2.0% NOR content with pellet-shaped surface morphology. The in vitro release profile showed an initial lag phase of approximately 30 min, followed by the sustained release of NOR from MPs from the 3D-printed hollow capsular device. The pharmacokinetic profile showed prolonged T_max, AUC, and evidence of good RBA of NOR compared to pure NOR after a single oral administration in the experimental animal model. The overall results confirm the feasibility of SLA-mediated 3D printing technology for preparing customized solid oral unit dosage carriers that can be filled with pure NOR- and NOR-loaded MPs with controlled-release delivery features.