Development of preparation process of icaritin-coix seed oil microemulsion based on quality by design concept / 中国中药杂志

To optimize the formulation and preparation process of icaritin-coix seed oil microemulsion(IC-MEs) based on quality by design(QbD) concept. IC-MEs were prepared by water titration. Firstly, the risk factors that may affect the quality of IC-MEs were evaluated. Then Plackett-Burman design was used to screen out prescription factors and process parameters that had a significant effect on the indicators. Finally, Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the prescription ratio of IC-MEs. Through the risk assessment and Plackett-Burman design, three formulation factors [drug loading efficiency, the ratio of mixed-oil(coix seed oil-Glycerol tributyrate) to mixed-surfactant(HS15-RH40) and water addition] were determined as the key factors affecting IC-MEs. The regression model established by Box-Behnken design had a good predictability. The optimal formula was as following: the drug loading efficiency of 0.92%, the ratio of mixed-oil(coix seed oil-glycerol tributyrate) to mixed-surfactant(HS15-RH40) of 4∶6, and the water addition of 5.7 mL. According to this prescription, IC-MEs were prepared, and its encapsulation efficiency after 1 week was 92.45%±1.00%. Therefore, the stability of IC-MEs could be improved by optimizing prescription and process parameters of IC-MEs based on the QbD concept, which can provide certain reference value for the future development of IC-MEs.

Research progress on pharmacology effects and new drug delivery system of icaritin / 中草药

Icaritin is one of the major bioactive compounds of Epimedii Folium. In recent years, scientific and pharmacological studies have shown that icaritin possesses broad therapeutic effects, especially in anti-tumor, enhancing osteoprotective, cardioprotective, neuro-protective function. However, its clinical application was limited by poor water solubility, poor oral absorption and low bioavailability. New drug delivery system has great application prospect in improving solubility of icaritin, oral absorption and bioavailability. Therefore, the current review paper aims to summarize the pharmacological effects of icaritin and briefly introduce some new drug delivery of icaritin, to provide theoretical basis for its clinical application and new drug development.