Characterization of glabridin/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with robust solubility and enhanced...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Glabridin exhibits various biological activities but suffers from poor water solubility, limiting its bioavailability and clinical use.
• Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is a derivative of cyclodextrin known for its ability to form inclusion complexes and improve the solubility of hydrophobic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel inclusion complex of glabridin with HP-β-CD to enhance its solubility and bioactivity.
• To investigate the structural characteristics and in vitro biological activities of the glabridin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex.

Main Methods:

• Formation of the glabridin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex.
• Characterization of the inclusion complex using FT-IR, PXRD, SEM, and NMR spectroscopy.
• In vitro evaluation of DPPH radical-scavenging capacity and tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Main Results:

• The formation of the glabridin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex was confirmed by spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses.
• NMR data indicated the inclusion of glabridin's aromatic ring within the HP-β-CD cavity.
• The inclusion complex demonstrated a 9-fold increase in DPPH radical-scavenging capacity and a 20-fold increase in tyrosinase inhibitory activity compared to free glabridin.

Conclusions:

• The glabridin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex significantly improves the solubility and bioactivity of glabridin.
• This novel complex represents a promising strategy for the future clinical application of glabridin.