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Stability of sulforaphane for topical formulation
Stephen J Franklin1, Sally E Dickinson, Kelly L Karlage
1College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona , Tucson, AZ , USA .
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy
|April 25, 2013
Summary
Sulforaphane (SFN) stability was poor in conventional creams but improved in PEG and oleaginous bases. Topical SFN in a PEG formulation effectively reduced UV-induced AP-1 activation in mice.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Dermatology
- Photoprotection
Background:
- Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural compound with chemopreventive potential.
- SFN inhibits activator-protein-1 (AP-1) and may prevent UV-induced skin cancer.
- Investigating SFN stability is crucial for topical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine SFN stability under various conditions (pH, temperature, solvents).
- To identify a stable SFN formulation for topical use.
- To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of a lead SFN formulation.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for stability analysis.
- Evaluation of SFN degradation kinetics.
- In vivo testing of a lead formulation in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- SFN degrades via base-catalyzed kinetics and is sensitive to temperature.
- SFN showed complete degradation in a conventional cream within 30 days.
- Improved stability was observed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and oleaginous bases.
Conclusions:
- SFN stability is formulation-dependent, with non-aqueous bases offering advantages.
- Topical SFN in a PEG base formulation retains efficacy in vivo.
- This formulation reduced UV-induced AP-1 activation in a mouse model.
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