ABSTRACT
Objective To optimize the formulation of essential oil of Alpiniae zerumbet self-emulsifying drug delivery system (EOFAZ-SEDDS) and evaluate its pharmacological properties. Methods The emulsifiers, co-emulsifiers and ratio of emulsifier to co-emulsifier (Km) were selected through the pseudo-ternary phase diagram method, using emulsified area as selection index, and determine the optimal prescription. The appearance, particle diameter, self-emulsification efficiency, and stability were evaluated. Results The optimal SEDDS was composed of volatile oil (60%), Kolliphor HS 15 (20%), and anhydrous ethanol (20%). The appearance of EOFAZ-SEDDS was translucent diluted-yellow solution. EOFAZ-SEDDS diluted with water to form milky and pale blue emulsion with a particle size of (171.67 ± 7.64) nm and Zeta potential of (-11.51 ± 1.22) mV. The emulsion was observed to be spherical by transmission electron microscopy and distributed evenly. The self-emulsifying time of EOFAZ-SEDDS in hydrochloric acid (0.1 mol/L) was short. With the increase of the volume of medium, the self-emulsifying time was prolonged. The precipitation and delamination of EOFAZ-SEDDS were not observed within 24 h after self-emulsifying, and no stratification was observed after 30 min centrifugation. Conclusion The EOFAZ-SEDDS prepared by optimum formulationthe of this study has a good particle size and good stability.