TY - JOUR T1 - Preparation and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with α-Asarone JF - PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology JO - PDA J Pharm Sci Technol SP - 56 LP - 65 VL - 62 IS - 1 AU - Dongkai Wang AU - Xiaoyan Wang AU - Xiang Li AU - Linmao Ye Y1 - 2008/01/01 UR - http://journal.pda.org/content/62/1/56.abstract N2 - This work investigated the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve oral bioavailablity and tissue uptake of a poorly soluble drug, α-Asarone. Ultrasonic homogenization method was employed to prepare α-Asarone-loaded SLNs (α-Asarone-SLNs). Particle size and distribution, pH, viscosity, drug incorporation and zeta potential of the SLNs were investigated. Pharmacokinetic study of oral administration to male rats at 10 mg/Kg suggested that the relative bioavailability of α-Asarone was significantly improved in α-Asarone-SLN group compared to α-Asarone solution group. Comparison of α-Asarone-SLN to α-Asarone control solution for α-Asarone concentrations in rat tissue showed an increased uptake of α-Asarone in brain and lung for the ARE-SLN group. These results indicate that α-Asarone-SLNs significantly enhance the absorption and tissue distribution of α-Asarone. SLNs offer a new approach to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. ER -