Abstract

Development and Evaluation of Gingko biloba L. Extract Loaded into Carboxymethylcellulose Sublingual Films

Author(s): Juste Baranauskaite-Ortasoz

Oral bioavailability of flavonoids, composing G. biloba extract, is limited due its chemical complexity, which determines low aqueous-phase solubility and slow dissolution behavior of the extract (E). The sublingual films of G. biloba extract were developed using solvent casting technique. The overall research objective was to compare the effect of increasing freeze-dried G. biloba extract (GFD) concentrations (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 g) within films on their mechanical properties, release profile of flavonoids (expressed as flavone glycosides), stability and disintegration time. Physicochemical evaluation of films were performed by scanning electron microscopy and FTIR. The higher elongation at the break and tensile strength values, quick release of flavonoids, as well as good stability were observed in formulation, coded FRG – 15 (the film sample contained 0.4 g of (GFD), 0.3 g of glycerol and 2 g of 2% CMC) (p < 0.05). Dissolution rate tests, carried to completion on FRG – 15, showed that approximately 85% of loaded flavonoid glycosides had been released. Shorter dissolution times were also noted in using FRG – 15. In particular, the release profile of flavonoid glycosides had levelled off after only 15 minutes, respectively, depicting an impressive 1.5 – 1.7 increase rate, compared to the freeze-dried control extract. The data obtained could lay the groundwork for further studies, concerning development of sublingual films as G. biloba extract-based dosage forms, which might increase the multifunctional properties and pharmacological activity closer to desired level.