Title:Intranasal Delivery of Microspheres Loaded with 20 (R)-ginsenoside Rg3 Enhances Anti-Fatigue Effect in Mice
Volume: 14
Issue: 6
Author(s): Wei Zhang, Xiaoyu Wang, Min Zhang, Min Xu, Wenyan Tang, Yi Zhang, Lei Lu, Jing Gao*Shen Gao*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science of the Second Military Medical University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200433,China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science of the Second Military Medical University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200433,China
Keywords:
Anti-fatigue, intranasal delivery, microspheres, nasal cavity, nasal mucosa, 20 (R)-ginsenoside Rg3.
Abstract: Background: Nasal delivery of 20 (R) -ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has a short-lived anti-fatigue
effect owing to rapid clearance by nasal cilia. Thus, in order to extend the residence time of Rg3 in the
nasal cavity, a new drug delivery system is needed.
Methods: Chitosan microspheres loaded with Rg3 were prepared using a multi-step emulsification
method and were characterized in vitro and in vivo.
Results: The microspheres had a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 44.9±12.6 08m. The drugloading
ratio was 10.25±0.08%, and the encapsulation ratio was 30.61±1.46%. Our in vitro mucoadhesion
experiment demonstrated that 70.35±1.79% of the microspheres adhered to the nasal mucosa. The
in vitro release study revealed that 31.1% of the Rg3 was released from the microspheres in the first 10
min. Release slowed, with 88.64% of the Rg3 released within 6 h. The pharmacodynamics study demonstrated
that the weight-bearing swimming time of mice increased significantly from 432±89 s to
486±96 s after administration of Rg3 microspheres compared with the Rg3 water solution. Blood lactic
acid and serum urea nitrogen significantly decreased in the group administered microspheres compared
to the water solution group (p<0.05). Hepatic glycogen and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly
in the group administered microspheres compared to the water solution group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: 20 (R) -ginsenoside Rg3 entrapped in chitosan microspheres may have a beneficial effect
against fatigue by increasing the residence time of Rg3 in the nasal cavity and enhancing absorption by
the nasal mucosa.