Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2012, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (21): 3933-3935.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2012.21.031

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation and characterization of an oral microemulsion of elemene

Liu Xing-yan1, Zeng Zhao-wu1, Liu Hong1, Zhou Guang-lin2, Ding Yuan-lin1   

  1. 1Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan  523808, Guangdong Province, China; 2Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou  310012, Zhejiang Province, China
  • Received:2011-11-20 Revised:2012-02-22 Online:2012-05-20 Published:2012-05-20
  • Contact: Ding Yuan-lin, Doctor, Professor, Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong Province, China artgreenking@126.com
  • About author:Liu Xing-yan☆, Doctor, Assistant investigator, Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong Province, China lxy0428@126.com
  • Supported by:

    National Natural Science Foundation for the Youth, No.81001647*; Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, No.9151051501000035*; China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, No. 20100471757*

PDF

402

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that microemulsion can protect the drugs with poor stability and increase the solubility of water-insoluble drugs, as well as improve the biological availability. Furthermore, it can control drug release and reduce the individual differences in drug administration. However, it needs more surfactants and cosurfactants, and it is a challenge for human safety. 
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preparation of an elemene microemulsion and characterize its structures and properties.
METHODS: Elemene was used as the oil phase and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) was used as a surfactant. Besides, ethanol, propylene glycol and glycerol were used as cosurfactants. The elemene microemulsion was prepared by ultrasonication method in an ultrasonic bath.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The elemene microemulsion was characterized as a particle size of (67±13) nm, a zeta potential of (3.2±0.4) mv, a pH value of 5.16, a viscosity of 6 mPa•s and a surface tension of 31.7 mN/m. β-elemene content in the elemene microemulsion was (8.273±0.018) mg/mL and its average entrapment efficiency was (99.81±0.24)%. These findings suggest that the elemene microemulsion prepared by this method is characterized by small particle size, narrow distribution, week acid, low viscosity, lower surface tension and good system stability. It is applicable to oral administration.

CLC Number: