Bioavailability of Thymol Incorporated into Gastro-Resistant Self-Emulsifying Pellets in Rabbits.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery
• Animal Nutrition
• Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

• Thymol, a natural compound, has potential therapeutic benefits but suffers from poor oral bioavailability.
• Targeted drug delivery systems are crucial for enhancing the efficacy of orally administered compounds.
• Gastro-resistant formulations can protect active ingredients from degradation in the stomach and facilitate intestinal absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of thymol delivered via gastro-resistant self-emulsifying pellets in rabbits.
• To assess the targeted release and absorption of thymol in the small intestine.
• To investigate the accumulation and degradation profile of thymol in various tissues.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight rabbits were divided into control and experimental groups, with the latter receiving thymol-loaded gastro-resistant pellets.
• Thymol concentrations were measured in plasma and duodenal wall (DW) during administration and withdrawal periods.
• Tissue distribution and accumulation of thymol in kidney, fat, spleen, and muscle were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Thymol concentrations were significantly higher in the duodenal wall compared to plasma.
• A strong positive correlation was observed between plasma and duodenal wall thymol concentrations during administration.
• Efficient accumulation of thymol was noted in kidney and fat tissues post-administration, with levels below detection limits in plasma after withdrawal.

Conclusions:

• Gastro-resistant self-emulsifying pellets effectively enhance thymol's oral bioavailability by ensuring targeted release in the small intestine.
• The formulation protects thymol from gastric degradation and facilitates its absorption at the primary absorption site.
• Thymol demonstrates efficient tissue accumulation, suggesting potential for sustained therapeutic effects.