Preparation and Biological Evaluation of Silybin Liposomes for the Treatment of Liver Disorders

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to develop silybin liposome by incorporating phosphatidyl choline & cholesterol so as to increase its oral bioavailability and liver targeted enhanced hepatoprotection.
 Methodology: Thin film hydration technique was used for the development of liposomes by using phosphatidyl choline, cholesterol and drug. Liposomes were evaluated for vesicle size, zeta potential, PDI, encapsulation efficiency, surface morphology and in vitro drug release study. Further the optimized formulation was evaluated for APAP-induced alterations in liver and kidney function tests in rats and histopathological studies.
 Results: The results were promising with a sustained drug release of 80% within 20hrs, optimized vesicle size of 276nm and 89% encapsulation efficiency. The animal studies demonstrated superior hepatoprotective effect compared to silybin solution.
 Conclusion: The silybin liposomes showed better in-vitro release & in-vivo hepatoprotection along with better animal activity & improvement in histopathological changes as compared to silybin.

Silybin and its congeners: from traditional medicine to molecular effects

“…Various technological approaches are used to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of silymarin components. [54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62] For example, using a nanostructured lipid carriers silymarin form, signicantly higher (12.46 fold) brain silybin concentration was achieved. 62 A linear relationship between oral silymarin dose and maximum silybin plasma concentration (C max ) was found in human volunteers, but not in animal models (rat, rabbit, and dog).…”