Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Sinomenine Liquid Crystal Gel / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To prepare and characterize sinomenine liquid crystal gel, study the rheological properties and in vitro transdermal properties and compare with sinomenine ointment and sinomenine hydrophilic gel. METHODS: Sinomenine liquid crystal gel was prepared by using phytanetriol-water system and then characterized by polarized light microscope(PLM)and small angle X-ray diffraction(SAXS). Using DHR-2 rheometer, the rheological properties of sinomenine liquid crystal gel were investigated and compared with those of sinomenine ointment and sinomenine hydrophilic gel. Modified Franz diffusion cell was used for in vitro transdermal experiment and the in vitro transdermal properties were compared with sinomenine hydrogels and ointments. RESULTS: The appearance of sinomenine liquid crystal gel was colorless, clear and transparent, and showed dark field under PLM. SAXS showed cubic phase. The rheological parameters were good. The steady-state infiltration rates of sinomenine liquid crystal gel, ointment and hydrophilic gel were 153.93, 119.99, and 106.89 μg·cm-2·h-1, and their 48 h cumulative permeation amounts(%)were 93.76%, 91.55%, and 87.60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PLM and SAXS can be used to characterize the liquid crystal gel.The prepared sinomenine liquid crystal gel has good appearance and suitable rheology, and its infiltration rate and 48 h cumulative permeation amount are superior to those of ointment and hydrophilic gel, which provides theoretical reference for sinomenine percutaneous administration.