Comparison of solubility enhancement by solid dispersion and micronized butein and its correlation with in vivo study

Correlation of rivaroxaban solubility in mixed solvents for optimization of solubility using machine learning analysis and validation

In this study, the solubility of rivaroxaban, a poorly water-soluble drug, was investigated in mixed solvent systems to address challenges in pharmaceutical formulation and bioavailability enhancement. Solubility optimization is essential for the effective delivery and therapeutic performance of rivaroxaban, as its low aqueous solubility limits oral bioavailability and necessitates innovative approaches for drug formulation. The study explored the role of primary alcohols combined with dichloromethane in improving solubility, emphasizing their industrial relevance in crystallization, purification, and drug manufacturing processes. To complement experimental insights, machine learning models were employed to predict rivaroxaban solubility based on temperature, solvent type, and mass fraction of dichloromethane. Three models-AdaBoost Gaussian process regression (ADAGPR), AdaBoost multilayer perceptron (ADAMLP), and AdaBoost LASSO regression (ADALASSO)-were evaluated using [Formula: see text], RMSE, and MAPE metrics. Among these, ADAGPR demonstrated superior performance with an R² score of [Formula: see text], outperforming ADAMLP [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. It also achieved the lowest total RMSE [Formula: see text] and MAPE [Formula: see text], confirming its predictive precision and reliability. Optimal solubility conditions were identified at [Formula: see text] with a mass fraction of 0.8190 in a dichloromethane-methanol mixture, yielding a predicted solubility of [Formula: see text]. These findings highlight the potential of combining chemical engineering principles with advanced predictive modeling to optimize solubility in complex solvent systems, offering significant value to pharmaceutical development and process optimization.

Enhanced drug release through nitrendipine/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solid dispersion via supercritical antisolvent technique

The poor water solubility of nitrendipine (NT) results in low oral bioavailability, which hinders its practical application. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a prominent drug carrier that has been applied in the biomedical field due to its significant characteristics, such as large surface area, biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, an efficient drug delivery system based on the preparation of NT/HPMC solid dispersion using supercritical antisolvent (SAS) technology was proposed. The effect of different operating parameters such as solvent, host guest ratio, concentration, temperature, and pressure on NT/HPMC was optimized to obtain dispersed particles with maximum solubility. The formed solid dispersion presents non-static spherical particles with a high surface area and small particle size. Importantly, in vitro drug release studies have demonstrated that the dissolution and solubility of NT in solid dispersion are significantly enhanced compared to pure drug. In vitro bioactivity experiments showed that the NT/HPMC solid dispersion has good biocompatibility and antibacterial performance. Thus, this study indicates that solid dispersion prepared using SAS technology are considered a promising drug delivery system.

Biological effects and mechanisms of dietary chalcones: latest research progress, future research strategies, and challenges

Dietary plants are an indispensable part of the human diet, and the various natural active compounds they contain, especially polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids, have always been a hot topic of research among nutritionists. As precursors to polyphenolic substances in dietary plants, chalcones are not only widely distributed but also possess a variety of biological activities due to their unique structure. However, there has not yet been a comprehensive article summarizing the biological activities and mechanisms of dietary chalcones. This review began by discussing the dietary sources and bioavailability of chalcones, providing a comprehensive description of their biological activities and mechanisms of action in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, and resistance to pathogenic microbes. Additionally, based on the latest research findings, some future research strategies and challenges for dietary chalcones have been proposed, including computer-aided design and molecular docking, targeted biosynthesis and derivative design, interactions between the gut microbiota and chalcones, as well as clinical research. It is expected that this review will contribute to supplementing the scientific understanding of dietary chalcones and promoting their practical application and the development of new food products.

Enhanced Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Properties of Pterostilbene (Resveratrol Derivative) in Amorphous Solid Dispersions

In this study, amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of pterostilbene (PTR) with polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers (PVP K30 and VA64) were prepared through milling, affirming the amorphous dispersion of PTR via X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Subsequent analysis of DSC thermograms, augmented using mathematical equations such as the Gordon-Taylor and Couchman-Karasz equations, facilitated the determination of predicted values for glass transition (Tg), PTR's miscibility with PVP, and the strength of PTR's interaction with the polymers. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis validated interactions maintaining PTR's amorphous state and identified involved functional groups, namely, the 4'-OH and/or -CH groups of PTR and the C=O group of PVP. The study culminated in evaluating the impact of amorphization on water solubility, the release profile in pH 6.8, and in vitro permeability (PAMPA-GIT and BBB methods). In addition, it was determined how improving water solubility affects the increase in antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays) and neuroprotective (inhibition of cholinesterases: AChE and BChE) properties. The apparent solubility of the pure PTR was ~4.0 µg·mL-1 and showed no activity in the considered assays. For obtained ASDs (PTR-PVP30/PTR-PVPVA64, respectively) improvements in apparent solubility (410.8 and 383.2 µg·mL-1), release profile, permeability, antioxidant properties (ABTS: IC50 = 52.37/52.99 μg·mL-1, DPPH: IC50 = 163.43/173.96 μg·mL-1, CUPRAC: IC0.5 = 122.27/129.59 μg·mL-1, FRAP: IC0.5 = 95.69/98.57 μg·mL-1), and neuroprotective effects (AChE: 39.1%/36.2%, BChE: 76.9%/73.2%) were confirmed.

Formulation of silymarin binary and ternary solid dispersions: Characterization, simulation study and cell viability assessment against lung cancer cell line

Silymarin (SL) is a water-insoluble flavonoid used in the treatment of different diseases, but its therapeutic activity is limited due to its low solubility. So, in the present study, SL solid dispersions (SDs) were developed using different carriers like Kollidone VA64 (KL), Soluplus (SP), and Poloxamer 188 (PL) by solvent evaporation (SE), microwave irradiation (MI), and freeze-drying (FD) methods. The phase solubility and saturation solubility studies were assessed to estimate the stability constant as well as the carrier effect. The dissolution studies were performed for prepared SL-SDs (binary and ternary) to select the optimum SL-SDs. The selected SL-SDs (F5, F9) were further characterized for infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the comparative cell viability assay (lung cancer cell line) was performed to evaluate the change in activity after the formulation of SDs. The phase solubility and solubility study results displayed marked enhancements in solubility. The dissolution study findings showed significant enhancement in drug release from ternary solid dispersions (F7-F9) > ternary physical mixture (PM3) > binary solid dispersions (F1-F6) > binary physical mixture (PM1, PM2) in comparison to free SL. A greater release was observed from ternary SDs due to the addition of PL in the formulation, which had a synergistic effect on increasing the solubility. IR and NMR spectra revealed no chemical interaction between SL, KL, and PL. DSC, XRD, and SEM all confirmed the transformation of crystalline SL into amorphous SL. The cell viability assay demonstrated significantly enhanced results from ternary solid dispersion (F9) compared to free SL. Based on the study results, it can be said that SL-SDs are an alternative way to deliver drugs orally that can improve solubility and have anti-cancer activity.

An evaluation of spectral and statistical parameters of ion pair complexation of Zafirlukast using chromogenic dyes in solid dispersion-based formulations

The purpose of present work was to develop a novel analytical method for orally given leukotriene antagonist Zafirlukast (ZST), present in Meglumine and Eudragit EEPO based solid dispersion formulation. Four simple, extraction-free, fast, and economical methods based on charge transfer complexation among nitrogen of ZST with sulfonyl group comprising chromogenic mediator bromophenol blue (BPB-Method B), bromothymol blue (BTB-Method C) and bromocresol green (BCG-Method D). The first method (A) is based on the analysis using 0.1 M HCl as a solvent at λmax 242 nm while chromogenic methods yield color complex at λmax 415 nm (BPB-Method B), λmax 420 nm (BTB-Method C) and λmax 435 nm (BCG-Method D). The Beer's Law stayed linear in the concentration ranges of 1-10, 10-75, 5-40 and 15-100 μg/ml for methods A, B, C and D, respectively. The spectral and thermodynamic characterization of each method was carried out by the application of Molar Absorptivity, LOD, LOQ, Association Constant and Gibbs free energy (ΔGo). The methods were statistically optimized and evaluated by F-Distribution Value, P-Value, Shapiro-Wilk P-Value, regression analysis, Q-Q plot, prediction interval, residual histogram and plots. Various experimental conditions affecting the complexation and stability of chromogenic complexes are cautiously studied including optimal temperature, chromogenic agent volume, color stability, recovery, precision and accuracy. All the measurements were executed under ICH guidelines. It can be established that proposed would be an appropriate prospective analytical approach for estimation of ZST in pure bulk, solid dispersions and dosage forms.

Preparation of Hot-Melt-Extruded Solid Dispersion Based on Pre-Formulation Strategies and Its Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy

In this study, an amorphous solid dispersion containing the poorly water-soluble drug, bisacodyl, was prepared by hot-melt extrusion to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. First, the miscibility and interaction between the drug and polymer were investigated as pre-formulation strategies using various analytical approaches to obtain information for selecting a suitable polymer. Based on the calculation of the Hansen solubility parameter and the identification of the single glass transition temperature (Tg), the miscibility between bisacodyl and all the investigated polymers was confirmed. Additionally, the drug-polymer molecular interaction was identified based on the comprehensive results of dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and a comparison of the predicted and experimental values of Tg. In particular, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based solid dispersions, which exhibited large deviation between the calculated and experimental values of Tg and superior physical stability after DVS experiments, were selected as the most appropriate solubilized bisacodyl formulations due to the excellent inhibitory effects on precipitation based on the results of the non-sink dissolution test. Furthermore, it was shown that the enteric-coated tablets containing HPMC-bisacodyl at a 1:4 ratio (w/w) had significantly improved in vivo therapeutic laxative efficacy compared to preparations containing un-solubilized raw bisacodyl in constipation-induced rabbits. Therefore, it was concluded that the pre-formulation strategy, using several analyses and approaches, was successfully applied in this study to investigate the miscibility and interaction of drug-polymer systems, hence resulting in the manufacture of favorable solid dispersions with favorable in vitro and in vivo performances using hot-melt extrusion processes.

Influence of Intermolecular Interactions on Crystallite Size in Crystalline Solid Dispersions

Crystalline solid dispersions (CSDs) represent a thermodynamically stable system capable of effectively reducing the crystallite size of drugs, thereby enhancing their solubility and bioavailability. This study uses flavonoid drugs with the same core structures but varying numbers of hydroxyl groups as model drugs and poloxamer 188 as a carrier to explore the intrinsic relationships between drug-polymer interactions, crystallite size, and in vitro dissolution behavior in CSDs. Initially, we investigate the interactions between flavonoid drugs and P188 by calculating Hansen solubility parameters, determination of Flory-Huggins interaction parameters, and other methods. Subsequently, we explore the crystallization kinetics of flavonoid drugs and P188 in CSD systems using polarized optical microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. We monitor the domain size and crystallite size of flavonoids in CSDs through powder X-ray diffraction and a laser-particle-size analyzer. Finally, we validate the relationship between crystallite size and in vitro dissolution behavior through powder dissolution. The results demonstrate that, as the number of hydroxyl groups increases, the interactions between drugs and polymers become stronger, making drug crystallization in the CSD system less likely. Consequently, reductions in crystalline domain size and crystallite size become more pronounced, leading to a more significant enhancement in drug dissolution.

Kinetic Stability and Glass-Forming Ability of Thermally Labile Quinolone Antibiotics

The application of drugs in the amorphous state is one way to improve their bioavailability. As such, the determination of the optimal conditions for production and the assessment of the stability of the amorphous system are actively researched topics of present-day pharmaceutical science. In the present work, we have studied the kinetic stability and glass-forming ability of the thermally labile quinolone antibiotics using fast scanning calorimetry. The critical cooling rates for avoiding crystallization of the melts of oxolinic and pipemidic acids and sparfloxacin were determined to be 10 000, 40, and 80 K·s^-1, respectively. The studied antibiotics were found to be "strong" glass formers. Based on a combination of nonisothermal and isothermal kinetic approaches, the Nakamura model was suitable for describing the crystallization process of the amorphous forms of the quinolone antibiotics.

Lipid/Clay-Based Solid Dispersion Formulation for Improving the Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin

This study was conducted to develop a lipid/clay-based solid dispersion (LSD) formulation to enhance the dissolution and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble curcumin. Krill oil and aminoclay were used as a lipid and a stabilizer, respectively, and LSD formulations of curcumin were prepared by an antisolvent precipitation method combined with freeze-drying process. Based on the dissolution profiles, the optimal composition of LSD was determined at the weight ratio of curcumin: krill oil: aminoclay of 1:5:5 in the presence of 0.5% of D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate. The structural and morphological characteristics of the LSD formulation were determined using X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Crystalline curcumin was changed to an amorphous form in the LSD formulation. At the pH of acidic to neutral, the LSD formulation showed almost complete drug dissolution (>90%) within 1 h, while pure curcumin exhibited minimal dissolution of less than 10%. Furthermore, the LSD formulation had significantly improved oral absorption of curcumin in rats, where Cmax and AUC of curcumin were 13- and 23-fold higher for the LSD formulation than for the pure drug. Taken together, these findings suggest that the krill oil-based solid dispersion formulation of curcumin effectively improves the dissolution and oral bioavailability of curcumin.

Current Trends on Solid Dispersions: Past, Present, and Future

Solid dispersions have achieved significant interest as an effective means of enhancing the dissolution rate and thus the bioavailability of a range of weakly water-soluble drugs. Solid dispersions of weakly water-soluble drugs with water-soluble carriers have lowered the frequency of these problems and improved dissolution. Solid dispersion is a solubilization technology emphasizing mainly on, drug-polymer two-component systems in which drug dispersion and its stabilization is the key to formulation development. Therefore, this technology is recognized as an exceptionally useful means of improving the dissolution properties of poorly water-soluble drugs and in the latest years, a big deal of understanding has been accumulated about solid dispersion, however, their commercial application is limited. In this review article, emphasis is placed on solubility, BCS classification, and carriers. Moreover, this article presents the diverse preparation techniques for solid dispersion and gathers some of the recent technological transfers. The different types of solid dispersions based on the carrier used and molecular arrangement were underlined. Additionally, it summarizes the mechanisms, the methods of preparing solid dispersions, and the marketed drugs that are available using solid dispersion approaches.

Synthesis and preparation of vitamin A coupled butein-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for liver fibrosis therapy in rats

The development of a therapeutic system for hepatic fibrosis has become a research hotspot to date. Butein, a simple chalcone derivative, displays anti-fibrotic effects through different pathways. However, impurities, low solubility, and low concentration in the target tissue hinder therapy with herbal ingredients. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the vitamin A (VA) storage cells, as the main contributors to liver fibrogenesis, are not readily accessible to drugs owing to their anatomical location. Targeted delivery of therapeutics to the activated HSCs is therefore critical for successful treatment. For these reasons, the current study aimed at increasing butein delivery to the liver. Hence, high purity butein was synthesized in three steps. A novel VA-Myrj52 ester conjugate was also synthesized using all-trans retinoic acid and a hydrophilic emulsifier (Myrj52) as a targeting agent. Next, butein was encapsulated inside the novel VA-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (VA-SLNs) and studied in vitro and in vivo. According to our evaluations, negatively charged SLNs with a mean diameter of 150 nm and entrapment efficacy of 75 % were successful in liver fibrosis amelioration. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of VA-SLNs in fibrotic rats, for four weeks long, reduced serum AST and ALT by 58% (P, 0.001) and 72% (P, 0.05), respectively, concerning the CCl₄ group. Additionally, histologic damage score decline and normalization of tissue oxidative stress markers collectively confirmed the efficacy of formulations in hepatic fibrosis and kidney damage amelioration.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of MT-102, a New Anti-inflammatory Agent, via a Ternary Solid Dispersion Formulation

This study aimed to develop a solid dispersion (SD) of MT-102, a new anti-inflammatory agent, to improve its oral bioavailability. The ternary SD formulations of MT-102 (a poorly soluble extract of Isatis indigotica and Juglans mandshurica) were prepared using a solvent evaporation method with various drug/excipient ratios. Following that, the effectiveness of various SDs as an oral formulation of MT-102 was investigated using indirubin as a marker component. By forming SDs with hydrophilic polymers, the aqueous solubility of indirubin was significantly increased. SD-F4, containing drug, poloxamer 407 (P407), and povidone K30 (PVP K30) at a 1:2:2 weight ratio, exhibited the optimal dissolution profiles in the acidic to neutral pH range. Compared to pure MT-102 and a physical mixture, SD-F4 increased indirubin’s dissolution from MT-102 by approximately 9.86-fold and 2.21-fold, respectively. Additionally, SD-F4 caused the sticky extract to solidify, resulting in improved flowability and handling. As a result, compared to pure MT-102, the oral administration of SD-F4 significantly improved the systemic exposure of MT-102 in rats. Overall, the ternary SD formulation of MT-102 with a blended mixture of P407 and PVP K30 appeared to be effective at improving the dissolution and oral absorption of MT-102.

Impact of route-dependent phase-II gut metabolism and enterohepatic circulation on the bioavailability and systemic disposition of resveratrol in rats and humans: A comprehensive whole body physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, is a dietary supplement that improves the outcomes of metabolic, cardiovascular, and other age-related diseases due to its diverse pharmacological activities. Although there have been several preclinical and clinical investigations of resveratrol, the contributions of gut phase-II metabolism and enterohepatic circulation to the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol remain unclear. Furthermore, a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model that accurately describes and predicts the systemic exposure profiles of resveratrol in clinical settings has not been developed. Experimental data were acquired from several perspectives, including in vitro protein binding and blood distribution, in vitro tissue S9 metabolism, in situ intestinal perfusion, and in vivo pharmacokinetics and excretion studies. Using these datasets, an in-house whole-body PBPK model incorporating route-dependent phase-II (glucuronidation and sulfation) gut metabolism and enterohepatic circulation processes was constructed and optimized for chemical-specific parameters. The developed PBPK model aligned with the observed systemic exposure profiles of resveratrol in single and multiple dosing regimens with an acceptable accuracy of 0.538-0.999-fold errors. Furthermore, the model simulations elucidated the substantial contribution of gut first-pass metabolism to the oral bioavailability of resveratrol and suggested differential effects of enterohepatic circulation on the systemic exposure of resveratrol between rats and humans. After partial modification and verification, our proposed PBPK model would be valuable to optimize dosage regimens and predict food-drug interactions with resveratrol-based natural products in various clinical scenarios.

Enhancing solubility and bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: formulation of solid dispersions using Soluplus® as a carrier

Improving the aqueous solubility of poorly soluble compounds have been a major issue in the pharmaceutical industry. In the present study, binary amorphous solid dispersions (SDs) of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ₁₀), a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) II compound and Soluplus^® were prepared to enhance the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties compared to crystalline CoQ₁₀. SDs were prepared with different ratios of CoQ₁₀ and Soluplus^® (1:3, 1:5, and 1:7) using spray drying technology, and the physicochemical properties of the SDs were evaluated. X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy suggested the conversion of the crystalline form of CoQ₁₀ to a binary amorphous system in the SDs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed no potential interactions between CoQ₁₀ and Soluplus^®. The solubility of the optimal SD formulation (SD 1:7) was approximately 9000-fold higher than that of crystalline CoQ_10, and the increment was Soluplus^® concentration dependent. As a result, optimized SD 1:7 also showed significantly enhanced dissolution rate where maximum drug release was observed within 30 min in two different dissolution media. Moreover, in contrast to crystalline CoQ_10, CoQ₁₀ SDs showed improved pharmacokinetic parameters. Thus, the SD 1:7 formulation is expected to improve biopharmaceutical properties and therapeutic efficacy of CoQ₁₀.

Application of supercritical fluid technology for solid dispersion to enhance solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

Many new chemical entities (NCEs) have been discovered with the development of the pharmaceutical industry. However, the main disadvantage of these drugs is their low aqueous solubility, which results in poor bioavailability, posing a challenge for pharmaceutical scientists in the field of drug development. Solid dispersion (SD) technology is one of the most successful techniques used to resolve these problems. SD has been widely used to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs using several methods such as melting, supercritical fluid (SCF), solvent evaporation, spray drying, hot-melt extrusion, and freeze-drying. Among them, SCF with carbon dioxide (CO₂) has recently attracted great attention owing to its enhanced dissolution and bioavailability with non-toxic, economical, non-polluting, and high-efficiency properties. Compared with the conventional methods using organic solvents in the preparation of the formulation (solvent evaporation method), SCF used CO₂ to replace the organic solvent with high pressure to avoid the limitation of solvent residues. The solubility of a substance in CO₂ plays an important role in the success of the formulation. In the present review, the various processes involved in SCF technology, application of SCF to prepare SD, and future perspectives of SCF are described.

Preparation and Characterization of Fenofibrate Microparticles with Surface-Active Additives: Application of a Supercritical Fluid-Assisted Spray-Drying Process

In this study, supercritical fluid-assisted spray-drying (SA-SD) was applied to achieve the micronization of fenofibrate particles possessing surface-active additives, such as d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), sucrose mono palmitate (Sucroester 15), and polyoxyethylene 52 stearate (Myrj 52), to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of fenofibrate. For comparison, the same formulation was prepared using a spray-drying (SD) process, and then both methods were compared. The SA-SD process resulted in a significantly smaller mean particle size (approximately 2 μm) compared to that of unprocessed fenofibrate (approximately 20 μm) and SD-processed particles (approximately 40 μm). There was no significant difference in the effect on the particle size reduction among the selected surface-active additives. The microcomposite particles prepared with surface-active additives using SA-SD exhibited remarkable enhancement in their dissolution rate due to the synergistic effect of comparably moderate wettability improvement and significant particle size reduction. In contrast, the SD samples with the surface-active additives exhibited a decrease in dissolution rate compared to that of the unprocessed fenofibrate due to the absence of particle size reduction, although wettability was greatly improved. The results of zeta potential and XPS analyses indicated that the surface-active additive coverage on the surface layer of the SD-processed particles with a better wettability was higher than that of the SA-SD-processed composite particles. Additionally, after rapid depletion of hydrophilic additives that were excessively distributed on the surfaces of SD-processed particles, the creation of a surface layer rich in poorly water-soluble fenofibrate resulted in a decrease in the dissolution rate. In contrast, the surface-active molecules were dispersed homogeneously throughout the particle matrix in the SA-SD-processed microparticles. Furthermore, improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics were observed for the SA-SD-processed fenofibrate microparticles compared to those for the SD-processed fenofibrate particles. Therefore, the SA-SD process incorporating surface-active additives can efficiently micronize poorly water-soluble drugs and optimize their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characteristics.

Molecular mechanisms underlying chemopreventive potential of butein: Current trends and future perspectives

Despite extensive efforts, cancer is still often considered as an incurable disease and initiation of novel drug development programs is crucial to improve the prognosis and clinical outcome of patients. One of the major approaches in designing the novel cancer drugs has historically comprised studies of natural agents with diverse anticancer properties. As only a marginal part of natural compounds has been investigated, this approach still represents an attractive source of new potential antitumor molecules. In this review article, different anticancer effects of plant-derived chalcone, butein, are discussed, including its growth inhibitory action, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic and antimetastatic activities in a variety of cancer cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are presented in detail, revealing interactions of butein with multiple cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R etc.) and regulation of a wide range of intracellular signal transduction pathways. These data altogether allow a good basis for initiating further in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. Along with the efforts to overcome low bioavailability issues generally characteristic to plant metabolites, butein can be considered as a potential lead compound for safe and more efficient cancer drugs in the future.

Formulation of Genistein-HP β Cyclodextrin-Poloxamer 188 Ternary Inclusion Complex: Solubility to Cytotoxicity Assessment

The current study was designed to prepare the inclusion complex Genistein (GS) using Hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin (HP β CD) and poloxamer 188 (PL 188). The binary inclusion complex (GS BC) and ternary inclusion complex (GS TC) were developed by microwave irradiation technique and evaluated for a comparative dissolution study. Further, the samples were assessed for FTIR, DSC, XRD, and NMR for the confirmation of complex formation. Finally, antioxidant and antimicrobial studies and cytotoxicity studies on a breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line were conducted. The dissolution study result showed a marked increment in GS dissolution/release after incorporation in binary (GS: HP β CD, 1:1) and ternary (GS: HP β CD: PL 188; 1:1:0.5) inclusion complexes. Moreover, the ternary complex exhibited a significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in dissolution than did the binary complexes. This might be due to the presence of PL 188, which helps in solubility enhancement of GS. DSC, XRD and SEM evaluation confirmed the modification in the structure of GS. FTIR and NMR results indicated the formation of an inclusion complex. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity results revealed that GS TC has shown significant (p < 0.05) higher activity than pure GS. The cytotoxicity study results also depicted concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. GS TC exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) high cytotoxicity to cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 225 µg/mL) than pure GS (IC₅₀ = 480 µg/mL). Finally, it was concluded that a remarkable enhancement in the dissolution was observed after the inclusion of GS in the ternary complex and it therefore has significant potential for the treatment of breast cancer.

Preparation and In Vivo Evaluation of a Lidocaine Self-Nanoemulsifying Ointment with Glycerol Monostearate for Local Delivery

Lidocaine, a commonly used local anesthetic, has recently been developed into a number of ointment products to treat hemorrhoids. This study examined its efficient delivery to the dermis through the pharmaceutical improvement of hemorrhoid treatment ointments. We attempted to increase the amount of skin deposition of lidocaine by forming a nanoemulsion through the self-nanoemulsifying effect that occurs when glycerol monostearate (GMS) is saturated with water. Using Raman mapping, the depth of penetration of lidocaine was visualized and confirmed, and the local anesthetic effect was evaluated via an in vivo tail-flick test. Evaluation of the physicochemical properties confirmed that lidocaine was amorphous and evenly dispersed in the ointment. The in vitro dissolution test confirmed that the nanoemulsifying effect of GMS accelerated the release of the drug from the ointment. At a specific concentration of GMS, lidocaine penetrated deeper into the dermis; the in vitro permeation test showed similar results. When compared with reference product A in the tail-flick test, the L5 and L6 compounds containing GMS had a significantly higher anesthetic effect. Altogether, the self-nanoemulsifying effect of GMS accelerated the release of lidocaine from the ointment. The compound with 5% GMS, the lowest concentration that saturated the dermis, was deemed most appropriate.

Improvement of pharmacologically relevant properties of methotrexate by solid dispersion with Pluronic F127

Solid dispersion with Pluronic F127 was proposed as alternative approach to modify the pharmacologically relevant properties of methotrexate (MTX). Solid dispersion of MTX with Pluronic F127 was prepared by fusion method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy with the aim to elucidate the physical state of the dispersed MTX and the nature of the interactions occurring between MTX and the carrier. Effect of Pluronic F127 on solubility, dissolution rate, membrane permeability, and pharmacokinetic parameters was revealed in vitro and in vivo. It was found that physical interactions of MTX with Pluronic F127 are predominant in the solid dispersion. The effect of Pluronic F127 on the MTX solubility and release rate of MTX from the solid dispersion is pH dependent. Apparent solubility of MTX released from the solid dispersion is increased in the acidic medium and remains unchanged in the alkaline medium. In comparison with the pristine MTX, the release of MTX from the solid dispersion is faster in the acidic medium and slower in the alkaline medium. Influence of Pluronic F127 on the membrane permeability of MTX is insignificant. Bioavailability of orally administrated solid dispersion in increased. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that the pharmacokinetic properties of MTX can be improved by solid dispersion with Pluronic F127.

Formulation of solid dispersion to improve dissolution and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble dexibuprofen

Dexibuprofen (DEXI) belongs to BCS class II drug with poor aqueous solubility resulting in poor bioavailability. To enhance solubility and bioavailability of DEXI, DEXI-loaded solid dispersion (SD) was formulated. DEXI-SDs were prepared by melting method and solvent evaporation method. Amphipathic polymer poloxamer 407 (pol 407) was selected based on solubility and dissolution tests. The ratio of DEXI:pol 407 was optimized as 1:2. The physicochemical properties, dissolution, and oral bioavailability of SD3 and SD6 were evaluated to compare preparation methods. The dissolution rate of DEXI from SD formulations was higher at pH 6.8 and pH 7.2 than at pH 1.2. Following oral administration in rats, the C_max and AUC_last of SD3 and SD6 formulations were significantly higher compared with raw DEXI. In addition, the SD6 formulation showed increased C_max and AUC_last by 1.34- and 1.33-fold, compared with those of SD3 formulation, respectively. These results demonstrated that SD formulation has excellent potential as a formulation for poorly soluble drug DEXI.