RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption kinetics of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) in rat small intestines and the effects of bioadhesive materials on the absorptive kinetics and appearance permeability. METHODS: HPLC was used to determine the concentrations of Panax notoginseng saponins. An in situ single pass intestinal perfusion was used to investigate the absorption of Panax notoginseng saponins in rat small intestines (duodenum and jejunum-ileum). RESULTS: In duodenum and jejunum-ileum, Panax notoginseng saponins at different concentrations (0.5-2 mg · mL-1) had no significant effect on the absorptive kinetics and appearance permeability of small intestines (P > 0.05), respectively. Some bioadhesive materials (include chitosan, carbomer 934P, 941P, Konjac glucan and HPMC K4M) could promote the absorption of Panax notoginseng saponins in small intestines, this effect was more obvious in duodenum area. HPMC K15M has no effect on the PNS absorption in small intestines(P > 0.05), pectin could even delay the absorption to some extent. CONCLUSION: Panax notoginseng saponins has a poor absorption in small intestines, the passive diffusion mechanism take great part in its transport progress. Some bioadhesive materials could enhance the permeability of Panax notoginseng saponins on the small intestine wall.