Formulation and Characterization of Novel Dry Suspension and Dry Emulsion of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol

Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles as a Carrier of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol via Intramuscular Injection to Alleviate Cyclophosphamide-Induced Myelosuppression

Myelosuppression is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening side effect during chemotherapy. As the main active component of ginseng, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) is capable of relieving myelosuppression by restoring hematopoiesis and immunity. In this study, PPD was encapsulated in human albumin nanoparticles (PPD-HSA NPs) by nanoparticle albumin-bound (Nab) technology for intramuscular injection to optimize its pharmacokinetic properties and promote recovery of myelosuppression. The prepared PPD-HSA NPs had a particle size of about 280 nm with a narrow size distribution. PPD dispersed as an amorphous state within the PPD-HSA NPs, and the NPs exhibited in vitro sustained release behavior. PPD-HSA NPs showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with high absolute bioavailability, probably due to the fact that NPs entered into the blood circulation via lymphatic circulation and were eliminated slowly. In vivo distribution experiments demonstrated that PPD-HSA NPs were mainly distributed in the liver and spleen, but a strong fluorescence signal was also found in the inguinal lymph node, indicating drug absorption via a lymph route. The myelosuppressive model was established using cyclophosphamide as the inducer. Pharmacodynamic studies confirmed that PPD-HSA NPs were effective in promoting the level of white blood cells. Moreover, the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the PPD-HSA NPs group compared with the control group. This preliminary investigation revealed that PPD-HSA NPs via intramuscular administration may be an effective intervention strategy to alleviate myelosuppression.

Preparation of resveratrol dry suspension and its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity in mice

Context: Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol compound. It exhibits antitumor, immunostimulatory, and antiviral activities. However, poor water solubility and structural instability limit its administration and storage.Objective: A resveratrol dry suspension (RDS) was prepared and immunomodulatory effect in immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide and anti-inflammatory activities in mice were evaluated.Materials and methods: The preparation of RDS was optimized by the orthogonal design method. To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects, SPF Kunming mice were divided into seven groups comprising of nine males and nine females for each group. The RDS supplemented group was administrated doses of 3.33, 1.67, and 0.83 g/kg/d. Then visceral index, lymphocyte proliferation, the ratio of CD3⁺ CD4⁺/CD3⁺ CD8⁺, and the contents of cytokines in serum were tested. To ameliorate effects of acetic acid induced capillary permeability, xylene-based ear oedema, and cotton pellet granuloma, RDS as anti-inflammatory agent was administered at doses of 1, 0.33, and 0.1 g/kg/d as compared to indomethacin (IM) provided as a positive control at 10 mg/kg.Results: RDS inhibited the degradation of resveratrol and enhanced the CD3⁺ CD4⁺/CD3⁺ CD8⁺ ratio, spleen index, IL-2 level, and splenic lymphocytes in immunosuppressive mice. RDS (0.1 g/kg/d) significantly inhibited the acetic acid-induced capillary permeability, and at doses of 0.33 and 1 g/kg/d repressed the ear swelling and granuloma formation in immunocompromised mice.Discussion and Conclusion: RDS is a stable, cheaper, and suitable preparation with potent immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Keeping in view these remarkable properties, RDS could be an appropriate preparation for clinic use of resveratrol.

Preparation, Physicochemical Characterisation and DoE Optimisation of a Spray-Dried Dry Emulsion Platform for Delivery of a Poorly Soluble Drug, Simvastatin

In the presented study, insight into the development and optimisation of the dry emulsion formulation and spray drying process is provided. The aim was to facilitate the dissolution of the poorly soluble, highly lipophilic drug, simvastatin, by forming spray-dried dry emulsion particles having adequate powder flow properties, while assuring sufficient drug content. Simvastatin and a mixture of caprylic, capric triglyceride and 1-oleoyl-rac-glycerol were employed as a model drug and solubilising oils, respectively. A matrix of the dry emulsions was composed at a fixed ratio mixture of mannitol and HPMC. Tween 20 was used in low amounts as the primary emulsion stabiliser. To facilitate process optimisation, a DoE surface response design was used to study the influence of formulation and process parameters on the particle size distribution, powder bulk properties, emulsion reconstitution ability, drug stability and process yield of spray-dried products. Two-fluid nozzle geometry was identified, studied and confirmed to be important for most product critical quality attributes. Models obtained after the study showed acceptable coefficients of determination and provided good insight in the relationship governing the process and product characteristics. Five model optimised products showed adequate process yield, suitable particle size distribution, good reconstitution ability and improved dissolution profile, when compared to a non-lipid-based tablet and the pure drug. However, the obtained dry emulsion powders exhibited poor flow character according to the Carr index. The optimised product was further analysed with NMR during lipolysis to gain insight into the species formed during digestion and the kinetics of their formation.

Development of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol-Loaded SNEDDS Preconcentrate Using Comprehensive Phase Diagram for the Enhanced Dissolution and Oral Bioavailability

In this study, we aimed to develop a 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD)-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) preconcentrate (PSP) using comprehensive ternary phase diagrams for enhanced solubility, physical stability, dissolution, and bioavailability. Capmul MCM C8 and Capryol 90 were selected as the oil phase owing to the high solubility of PPD in these vehicles (>15%, w/w). Novel comprehensive ternary phase diagrams composed of selected oil, surfactant, and PPD were constructed, and the solubility of PPD and particle size of vehicle was indicated on them for the effective determination of PSP. PSPs were confirmed via particle size distribution, physical stability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with the dispersion of water. The optimized PSP (CAPRYOL90/Kolliphor EL/PPD = 54/36/10, weight%) obtained from the six possible comprehensive ternary phase diagrams showed a uniform nanoemulsion with the particle size of 125.07 ± 12.56 nm without any PPD precipitation. The PSP showed a dissolution rate of 94.69 ± 2.51% in 60 min at pH 1.2, whereas raw PPD showed negligible dissolution. In oral pharmacokinetic studies, the PSP group showed significantly higher C_max and AUC_inf values (by 1.94- and 1.81-fold, respectively) than the raw PPD group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the PSP formulation with outstanding solubilization, dissolution, and in-vivo oral bioavailability could be suggested using effective and comprehensive ternary phase diagrams.