NMR Study of Water-Soluble Carotenoid Crocin: Formation of Mixed Micelles, Interaction with Lipid Membrane and Antioxidant Activity.

Crocin is a unique water-soluble carotenoid found in crocus and gardenia flowers. Crocin has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, memory improvement, antidepressant, anti-ischemia, blood pressure lowering and aphrodisiac, gene protection and detoxification activities. Due to their amphiphilicity, crocin molecules form concentration-dependent self-associates (micelles) in a water solution. In the present study, using various NMR techniques (T2 relaxation and selective gradient NOESY), we have demonstrated that crocin forms mixed micelles with water-soluble drug delivery system glycyrrhizin and linoleic acid molecules. Note, that the spin-spin T2 relaxation time and NOESY spectroscopy are very sensitive to intermolecular interactions and molecular diffusion mobility. The second purpose of this work was the elucidation of the interaction of crocin with a model lipid membrane using NMR techniques and a molecular dynamics simulation and its effects on lipid oxidation. It was shown that the crocin molecule is located near the surface of the lipid bilayer and effectively protects lipids from oxidation by peroxyl radicals. The role of glycyrrhizin and vitamin C in metal-induced lipid oxidation was also elucidated. The results of this study may be useful for expanding the field of application of crocin in medicine and in the food industry.

Anti-Opisthorchis felineus effects of artemisinin derivatives: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The drug of choice for the treatment of opisthorchiasis caused by trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini and O. felineus is praziquantel (PZQ), but there is a constant search for new anthelmintics, including those of plant origin. Positive results on the use of artemisinin derivatives against O. viverrini opisthorchiasis have been shown previously, but the effect of these compounds on O. felineus has not been studied. Therefore, here, a comparative analysis of anthelmintic properties of artemisinin derivatives (artesunate [AS], artemether [AM], and dihydroartemisinin [DHA]) was carried out in vitro in relation to PZQ. Experiments were performed on newly excysted metacercariae (NEMs) and adult flukes of O. felineus. RESULTS: Dose- and time-dependent effects of artemisinin derivatives and of PZQ were assessed in terms of motility and mortality of both NEMs and adult flukes. The most pronounced anthelmintic action was exerted by DHA, whose half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1.9 (NEMs) and 2.02 µg/mL (adult flukes) were lower than those of PZQ (0.56 and 0.25 µg/mL, respectively). In contrast to PZQ, the effects of DHA and AS were similar when we compared the two developmental stages of O. felineus (NEMs and adult flukes). In addition, AM, AS, and especially DHA at doses of 100 µg/mL disrupted tegument integrity in adult flukes, which was not observed with PZQ. CONCLUSIONS: Artemisinin derivatives (AS, AM, and DHA) have good anthelmintic efficacy against the trematode O. felineus, and the action of these substances is comparable to (and sometimes better than) the effects of PZQ.

Exploring the potential of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer: Analysis of two clinical cases.

This article presents two cases of non-melanoma skin cancer treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). The first case involved a 74-year-old woman with a 4 cm basal cell carcinoma on her right zygomatic region, while the second case involved a 83-year-old woman with a 6 cm squamous cell carcinoma on her left peri­auricular area. Both patients underwent two sessions of systemic PDT, with chlorin E6 (Photoran) as the photosensitizer, followed by red light illumination. The treatment was well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects. Each three months, the patients showed clinical improvement with partial to complete regression of the tumors. Fluorescence diagnostics and photobleaching control were performed during the PDT sessions to monitor the treatment response. Regular follow-up examinations were conducted, including visual inspections, CT scans, and cytology investigations, which revealed no evidence of any neoplastic processes. These two cases demonstrate that PDT can be a safe and effective treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancer, with good cosmetic outcomes and minimal scarring.

Curcumin and Its Supramolecular Complex with Disodium Glycyrrhizinate as Potential Drugs for the Liver Fluke Infection Caused by Opisthorchis felineus.

Opisthorchiosis is a parasitic liver disease found in mammals that is widespread throughout the world and causes systemic inflammation. Praziquantel remains the drug of choice for the treatment of opisthorchiosis, despite its many adverse effects. An anthelmintic effect is attributed to the main curcuminoid of Curcuma longa L. roots-curcumin (Cur)-along with many other therapeutic properties. To overcome the poor solubility of curcumin in water, a micellar complex of curcumin with the disodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid (Cur:Na2GA, molar ratio 1:1) was prepared via solid-phase mechanical processing. In vitro experiments revealed a noticeable immobilizing effect of curcumin and of Cur:Na2GA on mature and juvenile Opisthorchis felineus individuals. In vivo experiments showed that curcumin (50 mg/kg) had an anthelmintic effect after 30 days of administration to O. felineus-infected hamsters, but the effect was weaker than that of a single administration of praziquantel (400 mg/kg). Cur:Na2GA (50 mg/kg, 30 days), which contains less free curcumin, did not exert this action. The complex, just as free curcumin or better, activated the expression of bile acid synthesis genes (Cyp7A1, Fxr, and Rxra), which was suppressed by O. felineus infection and by praziquantel. Curcumin reduced the rate of inflammatory infiltration, whereas Cur:Na2GA reduced periductal fibrosis. Immunohistochemically, a decrease in liver inflammation markers was found, which is determined by calculating the numbers of tumor-necrosis-factor-positive cells during the curcumin treatment and of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase-positive cells during the Cur:Na2GA treatment. A biochemical blood test revealed a normalizing effect of Cur:Na2GA (comparable to that of curcumin) on lipid metabolism. We believe that the further development and investigation of therapeutics based on curcuminoids in relation Opisthorchis felineus and other trematode infections will be useful for clinical practice and veterinary medicine.

Personalized approach to management of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

Cervical cancer ranks 4th place among malignant neoplasms in the world in 2020. HPV is the main reason for cervical cancer. The «Gold standard¼ of cervical screening is an «HPV-testing + PAP-test¼ co-test. The immune system can clear HPV infection. Pathway of cervical cancer development is investigated, but immunity recognition of HPV is still incompletely studied. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are membrane receptors on the cell membranes and membrane organelles. TLRs ligands could be bacterial, viral pathogens or toxins. When a ligand binds to TLRs, cytokines production is triggered. Chronic inflammation process down-regulates TLRs expression. This helps develop HPV infection. The current paper demonstrates how photodynamic therapy induces TLRs gene expression. A personal approach to estimating photodynamic therapy by an innate immune response in a clinical case is described. A 43-year-old woman with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and 33rd type of HPV infection turned into a private clinic. The patient had complex check-ups before we defined a treatment strategy. Photodynamic therapy was performed as a non-invasive fertility-preserving treatment. We tested TLRs 2/3/4/8 gene expression before and after photodynamic therapy in 2 h, one week and 6-month periods. PDT induces TLRs gene expression in a 6-month period. HPV elimination was achieved. The patient has no atypical cells in liquid-based cytology investigation after PDT.

Photodynamic therapy for early-stage cervical cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is a retrospective analysis of PDT effectiveness in the treatment in early-stage cervical cancer and also analysis of HPV elimination via PDT MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients were analyzed retrospectively, all with PDT treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Patients underwent one PDT session or a multi-course PDT approach. This depended on individual reaction and response to therapy after the first session. A multi-course approach was performed over two months. Treatments were performed from 2015 to 2020. Relapse-free probability was assessed for these patients by Kaplan Meier estimator at 60 months and HPV elimiantion was also examined.. RESULTS: HPV elimination was in 82% of cases in three-month period after PDT (R2 = 0.71). Among the analyzed cases, full HPV elimination was detected in more than 90% of cases. Relapse-free probability from cervical cancer is 0,8 (CI95%: 0,53-1) at 60 months. Patients had mild (35.7%) and severe (28.6%) leucocyte reactions after PDT in three months. CONCLUSION: The article demonstrates treatment results for CC and detected a five-year period relapse-free probability after PDT. Patients completing a multi-treatment PDT protocol for invasive cervical cancer can achieve both high response rate and relapse-free survival.

The Multi-Course Approach of Photodynamic Therapy to Treat Invasive Cervical Cancer IB2: A Case Report.

Cervical cancer is an important problem in women's health and a worldwide oncological disease. In 2018, the WHO registered 569,847 new cases in the world, and 3.4% were in the Russian Federation. We describe here a case of invasive cervical cancer stage IB2 associated with human papilloma virus in a woman who was treated by multicourse photodynamic therapy (PDT). A 38-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and genital tract spotting in October 2015. Colposcopy revealed a neoplasm in cauliflower form. PAP smear result was cancer in situ (Tis). The biopsy result from the cervical canal and neoplasm was invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent full preoperative examination (blood test, biochemical blood test, coagulation test, urinalysis, X-ray of chest organs, ECG, ultrasound investigation of pelvic organs, and PAP smear). Magnetic resonance imaging investigation showed a heterogeneous tumor, uneven contours, and intensity accumulating contrast. The patient was not pregnant, and a fertility-preserving treatment method was used. Three PDT sessions allowed to avoid vaginal radical trachelectomy. Pregnancy occurred 3 years and 8 months after the first PDT session. The patient had testing after treatment 4 times (3rd, 12th, 24th, and 60th months). She had a pregnancy without complications and had operative delivery by Cesarean section in April 2020. There was a 5-year remission period without episodes of relapse. The patient has an 8-month-old baby.

Research on Preparation of 5-ASA Colon-Specific Hydrogel Delivery System without Crosslinking Agent by Mechanochemical Method.

PURPOSE: This study aims to overcome the challenges of the current oral targeted drug delivery system, such as the complex preparation process, poor biocompatibility, and delayed drug release. METHODS: Here, a non-covalent polymer hydrogel was prepared using the mechanochemical method, and the solid phase loading of 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) was realized. RESULTS: The results obtained from the thermodynamics study, particle size analysis, and electron microscopy show that chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA) form a pH-sensitive hydrogel under the mechanochemical force and also maintain good stability in aqueous solution. Fluorescent tracers study showed that the pH-sensitive hydrogel could achieve the targeted drug release in the colon and the retention time was over 12 h. Next, in vivo efficacy studies, change in mice body weight, DAI (disease activity index) score, thymus, and spleen index, and the diseased state of the mice colon revealed that the pH-sensitive hydrogel is an improved drug delivery system over 5-ASA API commercial preparations as observed in the efficacy and toxicological studies. CONCLUSION: This method uses an innovative preparation technology that without the need of cross-linking agent to produce an efficient colon-targeted drug delivery system for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Study of supramolecular complex of nifedipine with arabinogalactan on Wistar and ISIAH rats.

Aim: Physicochemical and pharmacological study of the supramolecular inclusion complexes of the hypotensive drug nifedipine (NF) with the larch polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG). Materials & methods: The NF:AG complexes were obtained and their physicochemical properties were studied. Their hypotensive action and pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated in rats with normal and elevated arterial blood pressure. Results: In both rat lines the NF:AG complex decreased the arterial blood pressure at a lower dose than free NF (1.75 mg/kg of NF in complex compared with 3.5 mg/kg of free NF) and has a better pharmacokinetic profile than free NF. Conclusion: The use of the NF:AG complex is an effective way to sufficiently enhance and hasten NF's hypotensive action.

Anthelmintic Efficacy of Supramolecular Complex of Praziquantel Obtained by Mechanochemical Technology.

BACKGROUND: A supramolecular complex of praziquantel (PZQ) with disodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid (Na2GA) was obtained by mechanochemical technology to increase solubility, absorption rate and hence bioavailability of the drug and reduction its therapeutic doses. The aim of our study was evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of supramolecular complex of PZQ. METHODS: Different samples of PZQ with Na2GA were obtained by mechanochemical processing and examined for some physico-chemical properties. The anthelmintic activity of the most perspective samples was studied on the laboratory model of Hymenolepis nana infection of mice and Moniezia expansa infection of sheep by the results of helminthological necropsy of the small intestines (the controlled test). RESULTS: A high efficacy (> 98%) of supramolecular complex of PZQ with Na2GA (1/10) was shown at doses of 3; 2 and 1 mg/kg of body weight at single oral administration against H. nana in mice and M. expansa in sheep. While the basic PZQ had 27.19% and 36.64% efficacy respectively at the dose of 1 mg/kg. The PZQ:Na2GA 1/10 physical mixture (without mechanochemical processing) revealed no anthelmintic efficacy. CONCLUSION: Joint mechanochemical treatment the PZQ substance and Na2GA led to increased solubility, reduction of particle sizes, amorphization of substance, incorporating it with micelles of glycyrrhizic acid and high anthelmintic efficacy in reduced dose. The supramolecular complex of praziquantel was found to be a perspective anthelminthic with enhanced pharmacological activity that needs further research.

Influence of mechanochemical technology on anthelmintic efficacy of the supramolecular complex of fenbendazole with polyvinylpyrrolidone.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effect of mechanochemical technology on the efficacy of supramolecular complex of fenbendazole (SMCF) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer against some helminthosis of animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SMCF samples with PVP were synthesized using a solid-state mechanochemical technology in activators of impact-abrading type and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. The efficacy of SMCF was studied on the laboratory model of Hymenolepis nana and Trichinella spiralis infection of mice and helminthosis of sheep. RESULTS: In the trials conducted on laboratory models, the supramolecular complex showed 93.94% and 98.56 % efficacy at the dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight (b/w), while the substance of fenbendazole showed 7.97% and 8.33% efficacy at the same dose. A high efficacy (>94%) of the SMCF was revealed at the dose of 2.0 mg/kg of b/w at oral administration against nematodes in naturally infected sheep by the results of the fecal examination, while the substance of fenbendazole was active at the dose of 5.0 mg/kg at single oral administration. Moreover, the SMCF demonstrated 97.37% efficacy at the dose of 2 mg/kg against Moniezia spp. infection of sheep. Physicochemical studies confirmed the increase in solubility of the complex, reducing of particle sizes, amorphization of fenbendazole substance, and incorporating it with micelles of PVP. CONCLUSION: According to the results, supramolecular complex of fenbendazole with PVP was more active than the basic substance of fenbendazole and its anthelmintic properties were expanded.

Glycyrrhizin-Assisted Transport of Praziquantel Anthelmintic Drug through the Lipid Membrane: An Experiment and MD Simulation.

Praziquantel (PZQ) is one of the most widespread anthelmintic drugs. However, the frequent insufficient application of PZQ after oral administration is associated with its low solubility, penetration rate, and bioavailability. In the present study, the permeation of PZQ through a 1,2-dioleoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) membrane was investigated to probe glycyrrhizin-assisted transport. Glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid, GA), a natural saponin, shows the ability to enhance the therapeutic activity of various drugs when it is used as a drug delivery system. However, the molecular mechanism of this effect is still under debate. In the present study, the transport rate was measured experimentally by a parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with DOPC lipid bilayers. The formation of the noncovalent supramolecular complex of PZQ with disodium salt of GA (Na2GA) in an aqueous solution was proved by the NMR relaxation technique. PAMPA experiments show a strong increase in the amount of the penetrating praziquantel molecules in comparison with a saturated aqueous solution of pure drug used as a control. MD simulation of PZQ penetration through the bilayer demonstrates an increase in permeability into the membrane in the presence of a glycyrrhizin molecule. A decrease in the free energy barrier in the middle of the lipid bilayer was obtained, associated with the hydrogen bond between PZQ and GA. Also, GA reduces the local bilayer surface resistance to penetration of PZQ by rearranging the surface lipid headgroups. This study clarifies the mechanism of increasing the drug's bioavailability in the presence of glycyrrhizin.

Effects of supramolecular complexation of praziquantel with disodium glycyrrhizinate on the liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Millions of people worldwide have a chronic infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus, which causes opisthorchiasis in humans and animals. The only known effective drug for this disease is praziquantel (PrzQ); however, its efficacy is below 100%, and it has some adverse effects. In this study, a water-soluble complex of PrzQ with a disodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid (disodium glycyrrhizinate; Na2GA) in a 1:10 ratio (PrzQ:GA) allowed the PrzQ dose to be decreased 11-fold for effective killing of O. felineus. An in vitro experiment showed a sufficient anthelmintic efficiency of PrzQ:GA against both adult and juvenile O. felineus individuals. A Syrian golden hamster model of opisthorchiasis revealed a considerable anthelmintic effect at all tested PrzQ:GA doses (50, 100, 200, 400, and 1100 mg/kg) with the best performance at 400 and 1100 mg/kg. Further comparison of the effects of PrzQ (400 mg/kg) and PrzQ:GA (400 mg/kg) regarding the state of the host indicated significant advantages of the latter. Histological examination showed that PrzQ:GA was better at decreasing the O. felineus-induced inflammatory infiltration (as compared with PrzQ alone) as well as interfered with the development of epithelial dysplasia and metaplasia in large bile ducts and cholangiofibrosis. Both PrzQ and PrzQ:GA decreased the number of myeloid (CFU-GM) and erythroid (BFU-E + CFU-E) colonies induced by O. felineus infection. The drugs had no negative effect on the animal behavior in an open field test 2-4 h after administration. Thus, PrzQ:GA proved to be a good anthelmintic agent having no evident adverse effects on the host, thereby suggesting that further preclinical and clinical trials would be warranted.

Atorvastatin calcium inclusion complexation with polysaccharide arabinogalactan and saponin disodium glycyrrhizate for increasing of solubility and bioavailability.

The aim of the present investigation was to enhance the solubility and dissolution of atorvastatin calcium (ATV), a poorly water-soluble drug with larch polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG) and disodium glycyrrhizate (Na2GA) as carriers of drug delivery systems for improving its bioavailability. The interactions of ATV with AG or Na2GA were investigated by DSC, XRD, SEM, and NMR techniques. The molecular weights of supramolecular systems-inclusion complexes and micelles-which are the hosts for ATV molecules were measured. On the other hand, the rapid storage assay (+ 40 °C for 3 months) showed that the chemical stability of ATV/AG and ATV/Na2GA complexes had been enhanced compared with pure ATV. In vitro drug release showed a significant increase in ATV's dissolution rate after formation of a complex with Na2GA or AG. Pharmacokinetic tests in vivo on laboratory animals showed a significant increase in ATV's bioavailability after its introduction as a complex with Na2GA or AG. Moreover, ATV/AG and ATV/Na2GA complexes showed a more prominent decrease of total cholesterol (TC) level compared to net ATV. Therefore, the novel mechanochemically synthesized complexes of ATV with AG or Na2GA as drug delivery systems might be potential and promising candidates for hypercholesterolemia treatment and deserved further researches.

Physicochemical and Toxic Properties of Novel Genipin Drug Delivery Systems Prepared by Mechanochemistry.

BACKGROUND: Complexes of Genipin and different water-soluble adjuvant polysaccharides, such as arabinogalactane, hydroxyethyl starch, fibergum, and oligosaccharides ß-CD and HP-ß-CD, were synthesized as drug delivery system using mechanochemical technology. METHOD: We have investigated physicochemical properties, stability, and hepatotoxicity of the synthesized complexes in solid state and aqueous solution. The formation of the complexes was evidenced by different physical and spectroscopy assays, and the stability constants of our synthesized Genipin-based complexes were also calculated. RESULTS: The HP-ß-CD inclusion complex showed the highest characteristics. We have found that the molecule of Genipin was completely included in the cyclodextrin cavity of the HP-ß-CD. This complex of Genipin has shown a 6.14-fold increase of solubility compared with the original Genipin, and more stable in solvent and solid states. CONCLUSION: The hepatotoxicity assays showed that our investigated complexes of Genipin are much safer than the original Genipin. These results suggest that new Genipin-based preparations can be synthesized with advantageous of higher stability and safety.

Enhanced solubility and bioavailability of simvastatin by mechanochemically obtained complexes.

In the present work, complexes of simvastatin (SIM) with polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG) or disodium salt of glycyrrhizin acid (Na2GA) have been prepared using mechanochemical technique to improve the solubility of SIM and enhance its oral bioavailability. The interactions of SIM with AG or Na2GA were investigated by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM. Self-association of SIM in various solvents was investigated by UV/Vis and NMR techniques. The molecular masses of supramolecular systems-inclusion complexes and micelles, which are the "hosts" for SIM molecules were measured. The parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) revealed a strong increasing of SIM permeability in the presence of Na2GA in comparison with pure SIM used as a control. On the other hand, the rapid storage assay (+40°C for 3 months) showed that the chemical stability of SIM/AG complexes was similar to pure SIM, but SIM/Na2GA complexes had an enhanced stability. Pharmacokinetic tests in vivo on laboratory animals showed a significant increase in SIM's bioavailability after its introduction as a complex with Na2GA or AG. Moreover, SIM/AG inclusion complex performed better than SIM in reducing total cholesterol level. Therefore, the mechanochemically synthesized complexes of SIM with AG or Na2GA might have a promising future as novel formulations for hyper-cholesterolemia treatment.

Retinal accumulation of zeaxanthin, lutein, and ß-carotene in mice deficient in carotenoid cleavage enzymes.

Carotenoid supplementation can prevent and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other ocular disease, but until now, there has been no validated and well-characterized mouse model which can be employed to investigate the protective mechanism and relevant metabolism of retinal carotenoids. ß-Carotene oxygenases 1 and 2 (BCO1 and BCO2) are the only two carotenoid cleavage enzymes found in animals. Mutations of the bco2 gene may cause accumulation of xanthophyll carotenoids in animal tissues, and BCO1 is involved in regulation of the intestinal absorption of carotenoids. To determine whether or not mice deficient in BCO1 and/or BCO2 can serve as a macular pigment mouse model, we investigated the retinal accumulation of carotenoids in these mice when fed with zeaxanthin, lutein, or ß-carotene using an optimized carotenoid feeding method. HPLC analysis revealed that all three carotenoids were detected in sera, livers, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroids, and retinas of all of the mice, except that no carotenoid was detectable in the retinas of wild type (WT) mice. Significantly higher amounts of zeaxanthin and lutein accumulated in the retinas of BCO2 knockout (bco2-/-) mice and BCO1/BCO2 double knockout (bco1-/-/bco2-/-) mice relative to BCO1 knockout (bco1-/-) mice, while bco1-/- mice preferred to take up ß-carotene. The levels of zeaxanthin and lutein were higher than ß-carotene levels in the bco1-/-/bco2-/- retina, consistent with preferential uptake of xanthophyll carotenoids by retina. Oxidative metabolites were detected in mice fed with lutein or zeaxanthin but not in mice fed with ß-carotene. These results indicate that bco2-/- and bco1-/-/bco2-/- mice could serve as reasonable non-primate models for macular pigment function in the vertebrate eye, while bco1-/- mice may be more useful for studies related to ß-carotene.

Supramolecular Complex of Ibuprofen with Larch Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan: Studies on Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the present work, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of the supramolecular complex of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (IBU) with natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG) were studied. The main goals of such complexation were the increase of ibuprofen's bioavailability and decrease its effective dose after oral administration. METHODS: The complex with mass ratio as IBU:AG 1:10 was obtained by mechanochemical synthesis and characterized by water solubility, electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction analysis and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Different animal models of pain and inflammation was used to investigate IBU:AG biological effects. Plasma concentration of IBU and its pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated after oral introduction. RESULTS: It was found that ibuprofen's effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory dose decreased twofold after its introduction as a complex with AG. The reason of this difference is due to the increase of ibuprofen concentration in rats' plasma: C max of IBU at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg was found as 0.088 and 0.132 µg/ml, whereas C max of IBU in the complex form was 0.103 and 0.160 µg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we have shown that complexation of the IBU with AG results in its bioavailability increase, reduction of the effective dose and should decrease toxic side effects.

Improving the Efficiency and Safety of Aspirin by Complexation with the Natural Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan.

BACKGROUND: The main undesirable side effect of the aspirin is the damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to the formation of erosions, peptic ulcers, and as a result, bleeding. To overcome this problem "host-guest" complexation with natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan could be applied. METHODS: The complex with a weight ratio of ASA:AG = 1:10 was prepared by solid phase method in a rotary mill. Complex was administered orally to mice or rats at doses of 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg. The "acetic acid induced writhing" and "hot plate" tests were used as an in vivo pain models. The antiinflammatory activity was studied using "histamine swelling" test. Also, long-term (30 days) oral introduction of the complex to rats was performed and gastric mucosa damages were evaluated. In all experiments pure aspirin (ASA) was used as a control in appropriate doses. RESULTS: The minimal effective analgesic dose of the complex was 250 mg/kg, equivalent to 23 mg/kg of ASA, a dose in which aspirin itself was not active. The anti-inflammatory effect was found at relatively higher doses: 500 and 1000 mg/kg (46 and 92 mg/kg of ASA respectively) for the complex and only at 100 mg/kg for the ASA. Long-term introduction of the complex at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg was safe for gastric mucosa, while ASA at the dose of 50 mg/kg showed a strong gastric mucosal damage. CONCLUSION: The effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory doses of 1:10 aspirin complex with arabinogalactan are twice less compared to pure aspirin and safer for the gastrointestinal mucosa.

A Physicochemical and Pharmacological Study of the Newly Synthesized Complex of Albendazole and the Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan from Larch Wood.

Inclusion complexes of albendazole (ABZ) with the polysaccharide arabinogalactan from larch wood Larix sibirica and Larix gmelinii were synthesized using a solid-state mechanochemical technology. We investigated physicochemical properties of the synthesized complexes in the solid state and in aqueous solutions as well as their anthelmintic activity against Trichinella spiralis, Hymenolepis nаna, Fasciola hepatica, Opisthorchis felineus, and mixed nematodoses of sheep. Formation of the complexes was demonstrated by means of intrinsic solubility and the NMR relaxation method. The mechanochemically synthesized complexes were more stable in comparison with the complex produced by mixing solutions of the components. The complexes of ABZ showed anthelmintic activity at 10-fold lower doses than did free ABZ. The complexes also showed lower acute toxicity and hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that it is possible to design new drugs on the basis of the ABZ:arabinogalactan complex that are safer and more effective than albendazole.