Characterization and Bioavailability Study of Baicalin-mesoporous Carbon Nanopowder Solid Dispersion.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Baicalin (BA), a key compound from *Scutellaria baicalensis*, exhibits diverse biological activities.
• Poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability limit baicalin's therapeutic efficacy.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for improving baicalin's performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the dissolution and oral bioavailability of baicalin (BA).
• To utilize a novel mesoporous carbon nanopowder (MCN) as a drug carrier for baicalin.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the MCN-based drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

• Solid dispersions (SDs) of baicalin (BA) and mesoporous carbon nanopowder (MCN) were prepared using solvent evaporation.
• Formulation characterization involved SEM, DSC, and XRD analyses.
• In-vitro dissolution, pharmacokinetic studies in rats, and toxicity assessments were performed.

Main Results:

• The BA dissolution rate from MCN-based SDs (1:6 BA/MCN ratio) was significantly increased compared to pure BA.
• Oral administration of MCN-BA SDs resulted in a 1.83-fold increase in the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in rats.
• The MCN-BA system led to a higher Cmax and a shorter Tmax compared to pure BA, with no observed intestinal or renal toxicity of MCN.

Conclusions:

• Mesoporous carbon nanopowder (MCN) effectively enhances the oral bioavailability of baicalin (BA).
• MCN-based solid dispersions (SDs) offer a promising strategy for improving the delivery of poorly soluble drugs.
• The MCN carrier demonstrated safety, with no observed toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract.