ABSTRACT
A rapid RP-HPLC method was developed for the detection and quantitation of nigerloxin, a fungal metabolite active against diabetic complications, in rat plasma. The method was validated and employed to analyze samples obtained from a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of the nigerloxin at 100 mM/kg body weight to wistar rats. The assay exhibited a dose-dependent response in a linear range from 2-500 µg/mL in rat plasma. The Cmax, AUC, and t1/2 were found to be 10.68±2.05, 49.01±8.23, 6.5±1.4, respectively. In another study, nigerloxin was fed to rats over a period of 14, 28, and 90 days at 100 mM/kg body weight. The results showed that nigerloxin fed rats were not adversely affected, based on the evaluation of various toxicological parameters. Thus, the results of the present study and the preliminary pharmacokinetic profile of the metabolite indicated the absence of any toxicity and promised its possible future application as a molecule against diabetic complications without any side effects.