Study on biopharmaceutical properties of active fraction from Xiangfu Siwu Decoction by composite phospholipid liposome-based artificial skin membrane / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of the application of composite phospholipid liposome-based artificial skin membrane (CPLASM) for measuring biopharmaceutical properties of active fraction extracted from Xiangfu Siwu Decoction (XSD) via transdermal administration. Methods: The HPLC method was established for the determination of active ingredients (ferulic acid, tetrahydrocolumbamine, tetrahydropalmatine, senkyunolide I, and senkyunolide H) in active fraction of XSD. The oil/water partition coefficient values of these active ingredients were measured. The CPLASM was prepared to determine the in vitro permeability parameters of active fraction of XSD. The obtained parameters were further compared with those obtained by porcine ear skin. Results: The oil-water partition coefficients of ferulic acid, tetrahydrocolumbamine, tetrahydropalmatine, senkyunolide I, and senkyunolide H in active fraction of XSD (pH 5.5) were measured to be 1.220 ± 0.280, 0.670 ± 0.085, 0.920 ± 0.110, 1.040 ± 0.092, 1.030 ± 0.093 (n = 3), respectively. The permeability parameters of the active ingredients through porcine ear skin and CPLASM indicated a significant correlation (r > 0.9). Compared with the classical oil-water partition coefficients, the 6 h- cumulative permeation ratio of five active ingredients through CPLASM can be characterized as effectively predicting permeability parameters through porcine ear skin. Conclusion: The biopharmaceutical properties of active fractions from Chinese material medica can be effectively characterized by the application of CPLASM for the determination of in vitro permeability parameters of active ingredients.