Itraconazole-loaded microemulsions: formulation, characterization, and dermal delivery using shed snakeskin as the model membrane

Microemulsions (MEs) were developed for dermal delivery of 1% w/w itraconazole (ITZ). Solubility of ITZ in various oils was investigated and clove oil was selected as oil phase. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed by titration method. The system containing clove oil as oil phase, Tween^®80 as surfactant, and 1:1 mixture of water and polyethylene glycol 400 as aqueous phase provided the largest ME region. It was selected for the formulation development of ITZ-loaded MEs. Physicochemical stability was evaluated at 4 °C, room temperature (25 °C), and 45 °C for three months. In vitro permeation and retention studies were assessed using shed snakeskin as a model membrane. Antifungal activity was investigated by agar diffusion method. Results indicated that incorporation of ITZ in the selected MEs did not affect physical properties. Physicochemical data after storage periods revealed that the most suitable storage temperature was 4 °C. Skin permeation and retention data indicated that water-in-oil (w/o) ITZ-loaded MEs had superior dermal delivery of ITZ than oil-in-water (o/w) ITZ-loaded ME and ITZ-oily solution. Moreover, w/o ITZ-loaded MEs showed larger inhibition zones against C. albicans and T. rubrum than a commercial gel. Therefore, w/o ITZ-loaded MEs possibly provided effective dermal delivery and antifungal activity to treat superficial fungal infections.

Improved Pharmacodynamic Potential of Rosuvastatin by Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System: An in vitro and in vivo Evaluation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this proposed research was to investigate a nano-formulation developed using self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to improve the pharmacodynamic potential of rosuvastatin by assisting its transportation through lymphatic circulation.

METHODS

The utilized lipids, surfactants, and co-surfactants for SNEDDS were selected on the basis of solubility studies. The SNEDDS formulation was optimized by implementing a D-optimal mixture design, wherein the effect of concentration of Capmul MCM EP (X1), Tween 20 (X2) and Transcutol P (X3) as independent variables was studied on droplet size (Y1), % cumulative drug release (Y2) and self-emulsification time (Y3) as dependent variables. The optimized formulation was evaluated via in vitro parameters and in vivo pharmacodynamic potential in Wistar rats.

RESULTS

The D-optimal mixture design and subsequent ANOVA application resulted in the assortment of the optimized SNEDDS formulation that exhibited a droplet size of nano range (14.91nm), in vitro drug release of >90% within 30 minutes, and self-emulsification time of 16 seconds. The in vivo pharmacodynamic study carried out using Wistar rats confirmed the better antihyperlipidemic potential of developed formulation in normalizing the lipidic level of serum in contrast to pure drug and marketed tablets.

CONCLUSION

This research reports the application of D-optimal mixture design for successful and systematic development of rosuvastatin-loaded SNEDDS with distinctly enhanced in vitro and in vivo performance in comparison to marketed formulation. Eventually, improved anti-hyperlipidemic efficacy was envisaged which might be attributed to increased drug solubility and absorption. Overall, this study shows the utility of SNEDDS for improving the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poor aqueous-soluble drugs. The present SNEDDS formulation could be a promising approach and alternative to conventional dosage form.

Design and optimization of candesartan loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for improving its dissolution rate and pharmacodynamic potential

During the last decades, much attention has been focused on SNEDDS approach to resolve concerns of BCS II class drugs with accentuation on upgrading the solubility and bioavailability. The present hypothesis confirms the theory that SNEDDS can reduce the impact of food on Candesartan solubilization, thereby offering the potential for improved oral delivery without co-administration with meals. The present studies describe quality-by-design-based development and characterization of Candesartan loaded SNEDDS for improving its pharmacodynamic potential. D-optimal mixture design was used for systematic optimization of SNEDDS, which showed globule size of 13.91 nm, more rapid drug release rate of >90% in 30 min and 16 s for self-emulsification. The optimized formulations were extensively evaluated, where an in vitro drug release study indicated up to 1.99- and 1.10-fold enhancement in dissolution rate from SNEDDS over pure drug and marketed tablet. In vivo pharmacodynamic investigation also showed superior antihypertensive potential of SNEDDS in normalizing serum lipid levels as compared to pure drug and marketed tablet that was executed on male Wistar rats. Overall, this paper reports successful systematic development of candesartan-loaded SNEDDS with distinctly improved biopharmaceutical performance. This research work interpreted a major role of SNEDDS for enhancing the rate of dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs.

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.

Self-Nanoemulsified Drug Delivery System of Hydrochlorothiazide for Increasing Dissolution Rate and Diuretic Activity

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a class IV drug according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. This study aimed the development of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for HCTZ as an approach to overcome the biopharmaceutical limitations. Pre-formulation screening and ternary phase diagrams were carried out to select the oil phase, the surfactant, and the co-surfactant as the amount of each constituent. The optimized formulations, with reduced amount of surfactant, and composed of medium chain triglycerides, Cremophor EL and Transcutol P did not affect the pH or show drug incompatibilities. The SNEDDS were stabilized by the nanoscale globules and high negative zeta potential. All the physicochemical characterization assays were performed in biorelevant media to better predict the in vivo performance. The enhanced dissolution rate of the SNEDDS reflected in the in vivo diuretic activity, presenting a natriuresis, kaliuresis, and chloriuresis at early stages and an increased volume of total urine compared with HCTZ alone. The designed SNEDDS produced an improvement in the pharmacodynamics due to high dissolution and probable inhibition of intestinal efflux protein by Cremophor EL. The use of SNEDDS demonstrated to be an efficient approach to modulate the absorption of HCTZ and drug therapeutics.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug-delivery system for improved oral bioavailability of rosuvastatin using natural oil antihyperlipdemic

AIM

The aim is improving the antihyperlipidemic activity of Rosuvastatin Calcium (Rs) through improving its solubility using self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) containing natural oil full of unsaturated fatty acid and omega 3.

METHODS

A 7 × 3(2) full factorial design was adopted for optimization of oil ratio, Surfactant: Co-surfactant (S:CoS) ratio and oil:S/CoS ratio. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed for optimizing the system with drug loading (10 and 20%). The optimized SNEDD systems were evaluated according to their physical evaluation and drug release. Furthermore, the anti-hyperlipidemia efficacy was compared with commercially marketed product on rates followed by clinical study.

RESULTS

The system containing Tween 80:PEG 400 (3:1) and olive oil:garlic oil (1:1) as an oily phase has droplet size less than 100 nm, ZP (+23.43 ± 2.58 mV), PDI (<0.02) and cloud point (>90 °C). In vitro drug release studies showed remarkable enhancement of the Rs release from Rs-SNEDDS. The antihyperlipidemic effect of Rs-SNEDDS is greater than that of the commercial tablets and the pure drug on rates and in hyperlipidemic patients.

CONCLUSION

Rs-SNEDDS is a promising drug delivery system for improving the drug solubility and antihyperlipidemic effect using natural oils as (olive oil and garlic oil).