Preparation and evaluation of bionic enzymatic Epimedium flavonoids-loaded enteric-coated capsules / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To prepare and evaluate bionic enzymatic Epimedium flavonoids-loaded enteric-coated capsules, composed of Epimedium flavonoids as drug, snail enzyme as hydrolase and common formulation accessories, which is in favor of in vivo real-time enzymolysis and real-time absorption of Epimedium flavonoids. Methods: The UV method and single factor experiment were applied to investigating the effects of key factors such as filling agents species and dosage, disintegrating agents species and dosage, wetting agents species and drying temperature on the cumulative release degree of Epimedium flavonoids. Response surface method was used to optimize the prescription for bionic enzymatic Epimedium flavonoids-loaded enteric-coated capsules, and the enzymatic process of the four Epimedium flavonoids (icariin and epimendin A, B, C) was also evaluated by HPLC. Results: The optimal formulation for the bionic enzymatic Epimedium flavonoids-loaded enteric-coated capsules was composed of 100 mg Epimedium flavonoids extract, 68 mg snail enzyme, 65 mg α-lactose, and 11.7 mg low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose. This enteric-coated capsules showed a cumulative Epimedium flavonoids release rate of 85.43% within 45 min in simulated intestinal fluid and a complete enzymolysis within the intestine emptying time (3-6 h). Conclusion: The bionic enzymatic Epimedium flavonoids-loaded enteric-coated capsules show an advantage in improving hydrolysis and anti-osteoporosis efficacy of Epimedium flavonoids, providing some research ideas for improving the oral bioavailability of other flavonoids.