Biopharmaceutical Study on Nobiletin-Loaded Amorphous Solid Dispersion with Improved Hypouricemic Effect

The present study aimed to develop an amorphous solid dispersion of nobiletin (ASD/NOB) using hydroxypropyl cellulose-SSL (HPC-SSL) to improve the pharmacokinetic properties and hypouricemic effect of NOB. ASD/NOB was prepared by the freeze-drying method (ASD/NOB). ASD/NOB was characterized with a focus on crystallinity, dissolution, pharmacokinetic behavior, and hypouricemic action in a rat model of hyperuricemia. ASD/NOB showed significant improvement in dissolution behavior, as evidenced by a 4.4-fold higher dissolved NOB concentration than crystalline NOB at 2 h in distilled water. After the oral administration of ASD/NOB (50 mg NOB/kg) in rats, higher systemic exposure to NOB was observed with an 18-fold enhancement in oral bioavailability, and the T(max) value of orally administered ASD/NOB was 60% shorter than that of orally administered crystalline NOB. In a rat model of hyperuricemia, orally dosed ASD/NOB showed an improved hypouricemic effect by a 16% reduction in the plasma uric acid level compared with orally administered crystalline NOB. Based on these findings, ASD/NOB may be an efficacious dosage option to improve the nutraceutical potential of NOB for the treatment of hyperuricemia.