Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of docosahexanoic acid: development, in vitro, in vivo characterization

The impact of formulation design on the oral bioavailability of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are essential dietary supplements with widespread health benefits. However, achieving therapeutic n-3 PUFA levels in systemic circulation represents a significant dosing challenge, complicated by a complex interaction between different physiological and chemical factors. Recently, significant efforts have been directed towards creating "bio-accessible" n-3 PUFA formulations that overcome this dosing challenge by enabling increased oral absorption across the small intestine. However, the impact of varying physiochemical formulation properties on n-3 PUFA bioavailability remains poorly understood and requires further investigation. This review explores the impact of formulation design, including self-emulsifying systems, micro- and nano-emulsions, chewable gels, and microencapsulation, on n-3 PUFA pharmacokinetics, considering both clinical and preclinical investigations. Key challenges in developing highly bioavailable n-3 PUFA formulations and quantifying their absorption, biodistribution and metabolism are discussed. Finally, recent progress in developing next-generation n-3 PUFA formulations, including solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, and their targeting through innovative lipid structuring approaches will be addressed. The oral bioavailability of n-3 PUFA is ultimately influenced by multiple design factors related to each formulation strategy, underscoring the need for a systematic formulation approach that involves comprehensive testing of candidate formulation under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Pre-clinical and cellular safety assessment of oral administered DHA rich microalgae oil from Schizochytrium sp. (Strain ATCC-20889): acute, sub-chronic and genotoxicity

The lack of toxicity data for DHA-rich oil from Schizochytrium sp. (Strain ATCC-20889) leads to its exclusion from the Qualified Presumption of Safety list. Therefore, present study addresses toxicity evaluation of DHA-rich microalgae oil using ex-vivo (cytotoxicity assay) and in-vivo methods (acute (OECD 423 guidelines), sub-chronic (OECD 452 guidelines), and genotoxicity assay). The ex-vivo results showed >90% cell viability of Caco-2 cells after 48 h of treatment (200 µg/mL of DHA). Additionally, the in-vivo acute toxicity study found that microalgae oil was nontoxic and classified under category 5 molecule according to OECD 423 guidelines with a highest degree of safety at 2000 mg/kg b.w. The in-vivo sub-chronic study revealed no significant mortality and changes in feed intake, body weight, haematological, biochemical, neurological, and urine parameters after repeated 180-days administration of DHA-rich microalgae oil at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg. Moreover, histopathology evaluation, comet assay, chromosomal aberration, and micronuclei assay also confirmed the nontoxic behavior of DHA-rich oil. Thus, the results from the ex-vivo and in-vivo studies indicate that DHA-rich oil from Schizochytrium sp. (Strain ATCC-20889) is safe for use as a novel food, and can be included in infants, adults, pregnant women, and children formula.

Antiretroviral action of Rosemary oil-based atazanavir formulation and the role of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system in the management of HIV-1 infection

Atazanavir or ATV is an FDA-approved, HIV-1 protease inhibitor that belongs to the azapeptide group. Over time, it has been observed that ATV can cause multiple adverse side effects in the form of liver diseases including elevations in serum aminotransferase, indirect hyper-bilirubinemia, and idiosyncratic acute liver injury aggravating the underlying chronic viral hepatitis. Hence, there is an incessant need to explore the safe and efficacious method of delivering ATV in a controlled manner that may reduce the proportion of its idiosyncratic reactions in patients who are on antiretroviral therapy for years. In this study, we assessed ATV formulation along with Rosemary oil to enhance the anti-HIV-1 activity and its controlled delivery through self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system or SNEDDS to enhance its oral bioavailability. While the designing, development, and characterization of ATV-SNEDDS were addressed through various evaluation parameters and pharmacokinetic-based studies, in vitro cell-based experiments assured the safety and efficacy of the designed ATV formulation. The study discovered the potential of ATV-SNEDDS to inhibit HIV-1 infection at a lower concentration as compared to its pure counterpart. Simultaneously, we could also demonstrate the ATV and Rosemary oil providing leads for designing and developing such formulations for the management of HIV-1 infections with the alleviation in the risk of adverse reactions.

Self-Nanoemulsion Intrigues the Gold Phytopharmaceutical Chrysin: In Vitro Assessment and Intrinsic Analgesic Effect

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid with a wide range of bioactivities. Only a few investigations have assessed the analgesic activity of chrysin. The lipophilicity of chrysin reduces its aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Hence, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were designed to overcome this problem. Kollisolv GTA, Tween 80, and Transcutol HP were selected as oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant, respectively. SNEDDS A, B, and C were prepared, loaded with chrysin (0.1%w/w), and extensively evaluated. The optimized formula (B) encompasses 25% Kollisolv GTA, 18.75% Tween 80, and 56.25% Transcutol HP was further assessed. TEM, in vitro release, and biocompatibility towards the normal oral epithelial cell line (OEC) were estimated. Brain targeting and acetic acid-induced writhing in a mouse model were studied. After testing several adsorbents, powdered SNEDDS B was formulated and evaluated. The surfactant/cosurfactant (S/CoS) ratio of 1:3 w/w was appropriate for the preparation of SNEDDS. Formula B exhibited instant self-emulsification, spherical nanoscaled droplets of 155.4 ± 32.02 nm, and a zeta potential of - 12.5 ± 3.40 mV. The in vitro release proved the superiority of formula B over chrysin suspension (56.16 ± 10.23 and 9.26 ± 1.67%, respectively). The biocompatibility of formula B towards OEC was duplicated (5.69 ± 0.03 µg/mL). The nociceptive pain was mitigated by formula B more efficiently than chrysin suspension as the writhing numbers reduced from 8.33 ± 0.96 to 0 after 60 min of oral administration. Aerosil R972 was selected as an adsorbent, and its chemical compatibility was confirmed. In conclusion, our findings prove the therapeutic efficacy of chrysin self-nanoemulsion as a potential targeting platform to combat pain.

Prenatal Supplementation of Docosahexaenoic Acid for the Management of Preterm Births: Clinical Information for Practice

Unhealthy pregnancy and the resultant abnormalities in newborns exhibit a significant drawback. Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely, accounting for the majority of deaths among children under the age of 5. India accounts for about a quarter of all preterm birth (PTB) incidences, with few therapeutic options available. However, research shows that consuming more marine foods (rich in omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3), particularly Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy and can manage or prevent the onset of PTB and its accompanying difficulties. Present circumstances raise concerns about the use of DHA as a medication due to a lack of evidence on the dosage requirements, safety profile, molecular route, and commercially accessible strength for their therapeutic response. Several clinical experiments have been done over the last decade; however, the mixed outcomes have resulted in discrepancies. Most scientific organizations suggest a daily DHA consumption of 250-300 mg. However, this may differ from person to person. As a result, before prescribing a dosage, one should check the DHA concentrations in the individual's blood and then propose a dose that will benefit both the mother and the unborn. Thus, the review focuses on the favourable benefits of Ω-3, particularly DHA during pregnancy and postpartum, therapeutic dose recommendations, safety considerations, particularly during pregnancy, and the mechanistic pathway that might prevent or reduce the frequency of PTB accidents.

Lipid emulsion structure, digestion behavior, physiology, and health: a scoping review and future directions

Research investigating the effects of the food matrix on health is needed to untangle many unresolved questions in nutritional science. Emulsion structure plays a fundamental role in this inquiry; however, the effects of oil-in-water emulsion structure on broad metabolic, physiological, and health-related outcomes have not been comprehensively reviewed. This systematic scoping review targets this gap and examines methodological considerations for the field of relating food structure and health. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CAB Direct were searched from inception to December 2022, returning 3106 articles, 52 of which were eligible for inclusion. Many investigated emulsion lipid droplet size and/or gastric colloidal stability and their relation to postprandial weight-loss-related outcomes. The present review also identifies numerous novel relationships between emulsion structures and health-related outcomes. "Omics" endpoints present an exciting avenue for more comprehensive analysis in this area, yet interpretation remains difficult. Identifying valid surrogate biomarkers for long-term outcomes and disease risk will be a turning point for food structure research, leading to breakthroughs in the pace and utility of research that generates advancements in health. The review's findings and recommendations aim to support new hypotheses, future trial design, and evidence-based emulsion design for improved health and well-being.

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Effects on Cardiovascular Risk in Childhood: A Narrative Review

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are semi-essential fatty acids widely studied in adult subjects for their healthy-heart effects, especially on secondary prevention in patients who already experienced a cardiac event. LCPUFAs consumption is safe, without adverse effects, and they are usually well-tolerated; they can be taken either in foods or as nutritional supplements. LCPUFAs' positive effect on global health has been worldwide recognized also for pediatric patients. In childhood and adolescence, research has mainly focused on LCPUFAs' effects on neurodevelopment, brain and visual functions and on maternal-fetal medicine, yet their cardiovascular effects in childhood are still understudied. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process that starts even before birth and progresses throughout life; thus, cardiovascular prevention is advisable and effective from the very first years of life. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions are the main factors that can interfere with atherosclerosis in childhood, and the consumption of specific nutrients, such as LCPUFAs, can enhance positive nutritional effects. The aim of our narrative review is to analyze the effect of LCPUFAs on cardiovascular risk factors and on cardiovascular risk prevention in developmental age, focusing on specific conditions such as weight excess and dyslipidemia.

Development and optimization of transethosomal gel of apigenin for topical delivery: In-vitro, ex-vivo and cell line assessment

The main aim of this study was to optimize the transethosomes of apigenin formulated by the thin film hydration method using surfactant Span 80. Response surface Box-Behnken design with three levels of three factors was used to design and optimize the formulations. The prepared transethosomal formulations were characterized for entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and flux to obtain the optimized formulation batch. The optimized batch was further incorporated into the gel and characterized for the in-vitro, ex-vivo, and cytotoxic studies. The result showed the optimized transethosomes were smooth, nanosized, unilamellar, and spherical with an entrapment efficiency of 78.75 ± 3.14 %, a vesicle size of 108.75 ± 2.31 nm, and a flux of 4.10 ± 0.63 µg/cm²/h. In-vitro cumulative drug release of transethosomal gel of apigenin (TEL gel) and the conventional gel was 92.25 ± 3.5 % and 53.40 ± 3.10 %, respectively, after 24 h study. Ex-vivo permeation of TEL gel and conventional gel showed 86.20 ± 3.60 % and 51.20 ± 3.20 % permeation of apigenin at 24 h, respectively. A cytotoxic study confirmed that TEL gel significantly reduces cell viability compared to conventional gel. The results suggested that topical application of apigenin transethosomal gel may be a better treatment strategy for skin cancer because of the prolonged sustained release of the drug and the better permeability of apigenin through the skin.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Delivery Systems, Bioavailability, Functionality, and Applications: A Review

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), mainly found in microalgae and fish oil, is crucial for the growth and development of visual, neurological, and brain. In addition, DHA has been found to improve metabolic disorders associated with obesity and has anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-adipogenesis effects. However, DHA applications in food are often limited due to its low water solubility, instability, and poor bioavailability. Therefore, delivery systems have been developed to enhance the remainder of DHA activity and increase DHA homeostasis and bioavailability. This review focused on the different DHA delivery systems and the in vitro and in vivo digestive characteristics. The research progress on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, visual, neurological/brain, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, food applications, future trends, and the development potential of DHA delivery systems were also reviewed. DHA delivery systems could overcome the instability of DHA in gastrointestinal digestion, improve the bioavailability of DHA, and better play the role of its functionality.

Functional Excipients and Novel Drug Delivery Scenario in Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System: A Critical Note

Lipid-based formulations have emerged as prospective dosage forms for extracting the therapeutic effects of existing lipophilic compounds and novel chemical entities more efficiently. Compared to other excipients, lipids have the added benefit of enhancing the bioavailability of lipophilic and highly metabolizable drugs due to their unique physicochemical features and similarities to in vivo components. Furthermore, lipids can minimize the needed dose and even the toxicity of drugs with poor aqueous solubility when employed as the primary excipient. Hence, the aim of the present review is to highlight the functional behavior of lipid excipients used in SNEDD formulation along with the stability aspects of the formulation in vivo. Moreover, this review also covered the importance of SNEDDS in drug delivery, the therapeutic and manufacturing benefits of lipids as excipients, and the technological advances made so far to convert liquid to solid SNEDDS like melt granulation, adsorption on solid support, spray cooling, melt extrusion/ spheronization has also highlighted. The mechanistic understanding of SNEDD absorption in vivo is highly complex, which was discussed very critically in this review. An emphasis on their application and success on an industrial scale was presented, as supported by case studies and patent surveys.

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems: An Alternative Approach to Improve Brain Bioavailability of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs through Intranasal Administration

Efforts in discovering new and effective neurotherapeutics are made daily, although most fail to reach clinical trials. The main reason is their poor bioavailability, related to poor aqueous solubility, limited permeability through biological membranes, and the hepatic first-pass metabolism. Nevertheless, crossing the blood–brain barrier is the major drawback associated with brain drug delivery. To overcome it, intranasal administration has become more attractive, in some cases even surpassing the oral route. The unique anatomical features of the nasal cavity allow partial direct drug delivery to the brain, circumventing the blood–brain barrier. Systemic absorption through the nasal cavity also avoids the hepatic first-pass metabolism, increasing the systemic bioavailability of highly metabolized entities. Nevertheless, most neurotherapeutics present physicochemical characteristics that require them to be formulated in lipidic nanosystems as self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). These are isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants that, after aqueous dilution, generate micro or nanoemulsions loading high concentrations of lipophilic drugs. SEDDS should overcome drug precipitation in absorption sites, increase their permeation through absorptive membranes, and enhance the stability of labile drugs against enzymatic activity. Thus, combining the advantages of SEDDS and those of the intranasal route for brain delivery, an increase in drugs’ brain targeting and bioavailability could be expected. This review deeply characterizes SEDDS as a lipidic nanosystem, gathering important information regarding the mechanisms associated with the intranasal delivery of drugs loaded in SEDDS. In the end, in vivo results after SEDDS intranasal or oral administration are discussed, globally revealing their efficacy in comparison with common solutions or suspensions.

Olive oil and oleic acid-based self nano-emulsifying formulation of omega-3-fatty acids with improved strength, stability, and therapeutics

AIM

To develop, characterise, and optimise SNEDDS formulation to enhance organoleptics, bioavailability, physical & oxidative-stability, and extend shelf-life of pure Ω-3-fatty acids oil for use in the food fortification industry as nutraceuticals.

METHODS

SNEDDS formulations were prepared using a simple stirring technique and optimised based on in-vitro characterisation.

RESULTS

The optimised SNEDDS formulation (F3) had a mean diameter of 52.9 ± 0.4 nm, PDI of 0.229 ± 0.02, zeta potential of -17.3 ± 0.1 mV, cloud temperature of 92 ± 0.2 °C, self-emulsification time of 50 ± 0.2 sec, and stable under accelerated stability conditions. Intestinal permeability study on rat ileum depicted absorption of 88.5 ± 0.2% DHA at 5 h for F3 formulation in comparison to 61.5 ± 0.2% for commercial counterpart. F3 formulation exhibited better therapeutics for melamine-induced cognitive dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed Ω-3-loaded SNEDDS heralds the future for an efficacious, safer, and higher strength formulation intended as a better substitute for currently available formulations.

Novel Vitamin E TPGS based docetaxel nanovesicle formulation for its safe and effective parenteral delivery: Toxicological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation

Docetaxel (DTX) is a highly lipophilic, BCS class IV drug with poor aqueous solubility (12.7 µg/mL). Presently, only injectable formulation is available in the market which uses a large amount of surfactant (Tween 80) and dehydrated alcohol as a solubilizer. High concentrations of Tween 80 in injectable formulations are associated with severe consequences i.e. nephrotoxicity, fluid retention, and hypersensitivity reactions. The present study aims to eliminate Tween 80, thus novel biocompatible surfactant Vitamin E TPGS based nanovesicle formulation of DTX (20 mg/mL) was developed and evaluated for different quality control parameters. Optimized nanovesicular formulation (NV-TPGS-3) showed nanometric size (102.9 ± 2.9 nm), spherical vesicular shape, high drug encapsulation efficiency (95.2 ± 0.5%), sustained-release profile and high dilution integrity with normal saline. In vitro cytotoxicity assay, showed threefold elevation in the IC₅₀ value of the optimized formulation in comparison to the commercial formulation. Further, no mortality and toxicity were observed during 28 days repeated dose sub-acute toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice up to the dose of 138 mg/kg, whereas, commercial formulation showed toxicity at 40 mg/kg. In addition, in vivo anticancer activity on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma induced mice showed a significant tumour growth inhibition of 76.3 ± 5.3% with the NV-TPGS-3 treatment when compared to Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma control. Results demonstrated that the developed Vitamin E TPGS based nanovesicular formulation of DTX could be a better alternative to increase its clinical uses with improved therapeutic efficacy, reduced toxicity and dosing frequency, and sustained drug release behaviour.

Oral ionic liquid for the treatment of diet-induced obesity

More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, a precondition leading to chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. Among other factors, diets with high fat and carbohydrate content have been implicated in obesity. In this study, we hypothesize that the choline and geranate (CAGE) ionic liquid can reduce body weight by decreasing fat absorption through the intestine. In vitro studies performed using docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a model fat molecule, show that CAGE forms particles 2 to 4 μm in diameter in the presence of fat molecules. Ex vivo permeation studies in rat intestine showed that formation of such large particles reduces intestinal fat absorption. In vivo, CAGE reduces DHA absorption by 60% to 70% compared with controls. DHA administered with CAGE was retained in the intestine even after 6 h. Rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and 10 μL of daily oral CAGE exhibited 12% less body weight gain compared with rats fed with an HFD without CAGE for 30 d. Rats that were given CAGE also ate less food than the control groups. Serum biochemistry and histology results indicated that CAGE was well tolerated by the rats. Collectively, our data support the hypothesis that CAGE interacts with fat molecules to prevent their absorption through intestinal tissue and potentially providing a feeling of satiety. We conclude that CAGE offers an effective means to control body weight and a promising tool to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Enhanced Release Kinetics and Stability of Resveratrol Loaded Self Nanoemulsifying Delivery Systems Developed using Experimental Design

Background:

Resveratrol is a member of the stilbene family emerged as a leading candidate for improving healthspan through potentially slowing the aging process and preventing chronic diseases. A number of institutions and scientists specialized in this field across the world are working to develop a promising Self Emulsifying formulation to enhance bioavailability of hydrophobic resveratrol using oil.

Objective:

The objective of the current study is to develop self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems using long-chain triglycerides of resveratrol to enhance solubility, stability, release kinetics and to overcome low bioavailability.

Methods:

Solubility studies performed in different lipids, surfactants and cosurfactants. Phase diagrams constructed to select the areas of nanoemulsion. SNEDDS formulation was optimized using 33 central composite design considering lipid (X1), surfactant (X2) and co-surfactant (X3) as critical variables, optimized formulation was located using overlay plot.

Results:

The nanometer size and high values of zeta potential depicted non-coalescent nature of SNEDDS. The resulted SNEDDS formulation had improved in vitro release followed by Hixson Crowell model with higher regression R2value 0. 929. Thermodynamic stability studies ascertained stable formulation. Mean droplet size in selected nanocarrier was found to be 83.29 nm. The nanocarriers subjected to 2-8°C (45% RH), 25-30°C (60% RH) and 45-50°C (75% RH) in glass vials exhibited no significant changes in 3 months.

Conclusion:

The novel approach was developed by selecting optimum blends of lipids, surfactants and cosurfactant using central composite design. This study not only offers a good example of augmenting bioavailability of resveratrol but will also provide a promising oral formulation for clinical application.

Reduction of elevated lipids and low-density lipoprotein oxidation in serum of individuals with subclinical hypoxia and oxidative stress supplemented with lycosome formulation of docosahexaenoic acid

Thirty two individuals aged 40-65 years old with a moderate hyperlipidemia (serum triglycerides > 150 mg/dl and LDL from 130 to 160 mg/dl) were supplemented once daily for 30 days with a 250 mg conventional formulation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) without lycopene (CF-DHA) or 250 mg of lycosome-formulated DHA containing 7 mg of lycopene (LF-DHA). It was shown that ingestion of CF-DHA led to a transient increase in serum DHA level after 2 weeks of the trial, whereas LF-DHA did not cause significant changes in serum DHA. However, there was a noticeable increase in serum eicosapentaenoic acid levels exceeding the pretreatment value by 42.8% and 39.1% after the 2nd and 4th weeks of LF-DHA ingestion. Patients supplemented with LF-DHA showed a significant (19.5 mg/dl, p < 0.05) decline in LDL, which was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in total serum cholesterol and a much stronger reduction in serum triglyceride levels (reduction of medians by 27.5 mg/dl). No changes in HDL were observed. LF-DHA caused a significant decline in the serum level of malonic dialdehyde (MDA), whereas the components of LF-DHA, lycopene and DHA, ingested as two separate formulations had a less significant effect on serum MDA. Moreover, LF-DHA increased both the plasma oxygen transport and tissue oxygen saturation by the end of the observational period, while lycopene or DHA taken alone, or both of them co-ingested separately had none or a much less effect on the oxygen turnover parameters.

Taste Evaluation by Electronic Tongue and Bioavailability Enhancement of Efavirenz

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are isotropic and thermodynamically stable mixtures of oil, surfactant, co-surfactant, and drug which emulsify spontaneously on contact with aqueous phase under mild agitation. Efavirenz used for treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is poorly water soluble and bitter tasting drug resulting in "burning mouth syndrome (BMS)." The objective of this study was to improve solubility and oral bioavailability by formulating liquid-SNEDDS and to mask bitter taste and minimize BMS. Capmul PG8 NF, Cremophor RH40, and Transcutol HP were selected as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to evaluate the nanoemulsification region. A 3² factorial design was employed to optimize L-SNEDDS with droplet size and drug release as responses. Optimized batch was subjected to evaluation of taste by human panel method and electronic tongue, cloud point determination, phase separation, in vivo and stability studies. The optimized batch exhibited droplet size of 21.53 nm, polydispersibility index 0.155, and in vitro drug release of 92.26% in 60 min. The in vivo studies revealed 4.5 times enhancement in oral bioavailability. Taste evaluation indicated reduced the intensity and shortened duration of BMS. The formulation was stable at 40°C ± 75% RH after 3 months. Comparison between standard bitter drug and efavirenz in SNEDDS formulation using e-tongue by principal component analysis revealed significant differences in discrimination index, computed by multivariate data analysis. This study demonstrated that L-SNEDDS may be an alternative approach to improve solubility and oral bioavailability and for masking the bitterness of efavirenz.

Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Problematic Molecules: An Update

BACKGROUND

The poor bioavailability of a problematic molecule is predominantly due to its high lipophilicity, low solubility in gastric fluids and/or high fist pass metabolism. Self microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), a lipidic type IV nano-formulation has been of interest in the field of pharmaceutical research due to its potential for tailoring the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical molecules.

METHODS

This review provides insights on various recent innovations and reports from the past seven years (2012-2019) of self-emulsifying formulations for the delivery of various types of poorly soluble drugs, phytoconstituents and high molecular peptides and gives exhaustive details of the outcome of the endeavors in this field.

RESULTS

Various types of innovative formulations have been molded from SMEDDS like selfemulsifying powders, granules, tablets, pellets, eutectic and cationic formulations. Till date, many research reports and patents have been filed on self-emulsifying dosage forms and many formulations have gained US-FDA approvals which are summarized in the review article.

CONCLUSION

This review content highlighted the increasing scope of SMEDDS in augmenting the physiochemical properties of an API, the variegated formulation types and the attributes of API that can be improved by SMEDD based formulations.

A Comprehensive Review of Chemistry, Sources and Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, one of the key building blocks of cell membranes, have been of particular interest to scientists for many years. However, only a small group of the most important omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. This full-length review presents a broad and relatively complete cross-section of knowledge about omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturates, and an outline of their modifications. This is important because all these subgroups undoubtedly play an important role in the function of organisms. Some monounsaturated omega-3s are pheromone precursors in insects. Polyunsaturates with a very long chain are commonly found in the central nervous system and mammalian testes, in sponge organisms, and are also immunomodulating agents. Numerous modifications of omega-3 acids are plant hormones. Their chemical structure, chemical binding (in triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and ethyl esters) and bioavailability have been widely discussed indicating a correlation between the last two. Particular attention is paid to the effective methods of supplementation, and a detailed list of sources of omega-3 acids is presented, with meticulous reference to the generally available food. Both the oral and parenteral routes of administration are taken into account, and the omega-3 transport through the blood-brain barrier is mentioned. Having different eating habits in mind, the interactions between food fatty acids intake are discussed. Omega-3 acids are very susceptible to oxidation, and storage conditions often lead to a dramatic increase in this exposure. Therefore, the effect of oxidation on their bioavailability is briefly outlined.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of bruceine D: a new approach for anti-ulcerative colitis

Background

Bruceine D (BD) is a major bioactive component isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Brucea javanica which has been widely utilized to treat dysentery (also known as ulcerative colitis [UC]).

Methods

To improve the water solubility and absolute bioavailability of BD, we developed a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) composing of MCT (oil), Solutol HS-15 (surfactant), propylene glycol (co-surfactant) and BD. The physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of BD-SNEDDS were characterized, and its anti-UC activity and potential mechanism were evaluated in TNBS-induced UC rat model.

Results

The prepared nanoemulsion has multiple beneficial aspects including small mean droplet size, low polydispersity index (PDI), high zeta potential (ZP) and excellent stability. Transmission electron microscopy showed that nanoemulsion droplets contained uniform shape and size of globules. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that BD-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced pharmacokinetic parameters as compared with BD-suspension. Moreover, BD-SNEDDS significantly restored the colon length and body weight, reduced disease activity index (DAI) and colon pathology, decreased histological scores, diminished oxidative stress, and suppressed TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65 protein expressions in TNBS-induced UC rat model.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that BD-SNEDDS exhibited highly improved oral bioavailability and advanced anti-UC efficacy. In conclusion, our current results provided a foundation for further research of BD-SNEDDS as a potential complementary therapeutic agent for UC treatment.

Nanoencapsulation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) using a combination of food grade polymeric wall materials and its application for improvement in bioavailability and oxidative stability

Developed nanoencapsulated DHA powder of microalgae oil with improved oxidative stability and bioavailability in brain using combination of wall materials.