SMEDDS for improved oral bioavailability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of licochalcone A

The aim of this study was to develop licochalcone A-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (LCA-SMEDDS) to improve bioavailability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of hydrophobic natural compound licochalcone A (LCA). The prepared LCA-SMEDDS was characterised by transmission electron microscopy analysis, particle size, polymer dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, stability tests and in vitro release analysis. LCA-SMEDDS and free LCA were orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate respective bioavailability. The hyperuricaemia rat model was established to evaluate anti-hyperuricemic activity. The particle size, PDI, and zeta potential of LCA-SMEDDS were 25.68 ± 0.79 nm, 0.074 ± 0.024, -14.37 ± 2.17 mV. The oral bioavailability of LCA-SMEDDS was increased 2.36-fold compared with the free LCA. The uric acid level of LCA-SMEDDS group (200 mg/kg) was decreased 60.08% compared with model control group. The developed LCA-SMEDDS could be an outstanding candidate for improving oral bioavailability and anti-hyperuricemic activity of LCA.