Foams as carrier systems for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

Foams are becoming more and more popular in several areas of our lives, including pharmaceutics and cosmetics. They are colloid systems where gas is dispersed in a liquid phase. Active ingredient bearing pharmaceutical foams are traditionally applied topically (dermal, local rectal, vaginal), but formulations for other delivery routes (e.g. nanosystems parenterally, solid foams orally) are also available. Numerous advantages are attached to foams when compared to traditional vehicles, resulting in increased patient compliance. Amongst others, the suitable composition contributes to quick, oily residue free and convenient application even on large or hairy areas, as well as to good drug transfer rate

Advances in drug release investigations: Trends and developments for dissolution test media

Dissolution research started more than a century ago in the field of physical chemistry and went through several significant developments since. Yet, the explicit attention in drug-related dissolution has only started growing in the 1950s, after the researchers realized that drug release from orally administered solid pharmaceutical formulations significantly influences the bioavailability. Researches show that solubility and permeability of the drugs are key factors in the correlation between the in vitro examination and the in vivo determinations (IVIVC). This review aims to summarize the most relevant developments in chronological order, ranging from simple disintegration studies to biorelevant methods. Biorelevant methods can be used to recognize the effects of food on dissolution, as well as to identify solubility limitations and stability issues. The development of a biologically relevant dissolution method for oral dosage forms needs to take the physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract into account that may influence the drug dissolution. This review presents the simplest dissolution media, the composition of biorelevant media simulating gastrointestinal fluids, and the latest updates of the field

Development of oral site-specific pellets containing flavonoid extract with antioxidant activity

Abstract Herbal medicines are recognized as an effective treatment of common diseases, mainly associated with oxidative stress. Therefore developing drug delivery systems of these biological active ingredients are gaining interest. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) is a well-known culinary herb and its leaf contains high amount of apigenin, therefore it is suitable as a natural source of this flavonoid. Apigenin possess many health effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Unfortunately, these benefits are limited due to the low water solubility and bioavailability, it was recently classified as BCS II group compound. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop a carrier system for Petroselinum crispum extract, containing high amount of apigenin. Microcrystalline cellulose inert pellet cores were chosen and enteric coatings were applied. The produced multiparticulates had spherical shape, narrow size distribution and low moisture content. 10% (w/w) Eudragit® L 30 D-55 and 15% (w/w) Eudragit® FS 30 D coating was adequate for the modified release in vitro. The layered pellets demonstrated antioxidant activity. It was concluded that development of oral site-specific pellets containing flavonoid extract successful and the therapeutic effectiveness could be hypothesized