Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Based on
Melon Oil and its Admixture with a Homolipid from Bos
indicus for the Delivery of Indomethacin
Nicholas C Obitte1,
Kenneth C Ofokansi2*, Ifeanyi T Nzekwe3,
Charles O Esimone4 and Ifeanyi E Okoye3
1Department
of Pharmaceutical Technology, 2Department of
Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 3Department
of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, 4Department
of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
For correspondence:
E-mail:
kcofokansi@yahoo.com Tel:
+234-8131245821
Received: 12 August
2010 Revised
accepted: 19 April 2011
Tropical
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, June 2011;
10(3):
299-307
doi:
10.4314/tjpr.v10i3.11
Abstract
Purpose:
To formulate self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems
(SNEDDS) based on melon oil and its admixture with a
homolipid from Bos indicus (cow fat) for the delivery of
indomethacin, a hydrophobic anti-inflammatory
agent.
Method:
Melon oil and cow fat were extracted by standard methods
and used in the formulation of SNEDDS based on either
melon oil alone, or its admixture with cow fat by
utilizing varying ratios of oil(s), surfactants and
co-surfactants, with or without carbosil, a glidant. The
formulations were encapsulated in hard gelatin capsules
and then evaluated using relevant parameters including
isotropicity tests, dilution stability, precipitation
propensity, emulsification time, absolute drug content,
in vitro drug release, and anti-inflammatory activity in
an animal
model.
Results:
Stable and negatively charged colloidal dispersions
(zeta potential: -10.4 to -13.4 mV) in the nano size
range (195 - 210 nm) were formed. Formulation of
indomethacin as SNEDDS not only preserved the activity
of the drug, but also guaranteed anti-inflammatory
activity comparable to that of indomethacin injection.
The inhibition produced by the drug-loaded SNEDDS and
the positive control were identical for much of the 5 h
test period, indicating a high degree of bioavailability
of the administered SNEDDS formulation.
Conclusion:
A 1:1 ratio of melon oil and cow fat could be used in
the formulation and delivery of indomethacin-loaded
SNEDDS with satisfactory properties and acceptable
product performance. The anti-inflammatory activity of
indomethacin was preserved in the formulation.
Keywords:
Melon oil; Cow fat; Drug release; Indomethacin; Self-nanoemulsifying
systems; Surfactants
