I have problem with the drug solvent in my work on anti-inflammatory effects of plants extracts on carragenane induced oedema (acute inflammation) and collagen induced arthritis (chronic one). Actually I am treating animals orally with a suspension of the oily extract (and indomethacin as control) in gum acacia (2% in water). But I have concerns about intestinal absorption (I need your opinion here).
The next step is to compare the amelioration obtained by the extract treatment with its individual components, some of these are in crystalline form (ex: thymoquinone: 1mm crystals) and homogeneous suspension could not be obtained. They must be dissolved to unsure the adequate dose administration to animals. Which solvent is the safest (chronic treatment), non-interfering (neither pro nor anti-inflammatory) and what are the adequate doses: DMSO, ethanol….?
We use this methodology described in our work, I hope have helped.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Impact Factor: 2.76). 05/2005; 98(1-2):109-16. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.01.014
If the actives are water soluble it is always preferred to dissolve in water. If not then proper selection of an opt solvent becomes essential.. as per your convenience - ethanol, DMSO or other suspending agents SCMC, gum acacia etc as you mentioned..But attention should be given if you are doing comparative study with your extract..then all the drug substances should be dissolved in the same solvent for the right comparison.
thank you Shanmugapriya Ekambaram for the answer.
the actives are lipids and i think that suspension do not allow the equal distribution of the drug to the animals in the groupe despite of vigorous shaking of the suspension before administration. dissolving the drug is the best way, but the DMSO is documented to have anti-inflammatory properties which could modify the results. is the ethanol the best choice ?
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