• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2003

During the preparation of decoction from the mixture of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix, insoluble copreciptate was formed. The coprecipitated product (COP) was composed of berberine and baicalin which was the active ingredient of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix, respectively. COP was slightly soluble in water and could not be well absorbed after oral administration. This poor bioavailibility might be associated with its poor aqueous solubility. With the purpose of increasing the solubility and bioavailibility of COP, hydrolysis of COP by ${\beta}-glucuronidase$ was carried out. Hydrolyzed products (HOP) of COP were identified and assayed for active ingredients. The partition coefficient study, in situ absorption test, and pharmacokinetic study after oral administration were also performed. COP was found to be consisted of berberine and baicalin with molecular ratio of 1 to 1. This compound was hydrolyzed to berberine and baicalin by ${\beta}-glucuronidase$. The rate of hydrolysis was higher at higher temperature up to $50^{\circ}C$ and higher concentration of ${\beta}-glucuronidase$ up to 2500 unit under our experimental conditions. Baicalein, which is more liphophilic than baicalin, showed greater absorption in small intestine than baicalin did. The plasma concentrations of berberine and baicalein after oral administration of HOP were significantly higer than those of COP. The possible mechanism of increased bioavailibility of berberine and baicalein could be the hydrolysis of COP by ${\beta}-glucuronidase$. On the basis of the above results, it might be said that HOP should be a suitable preparation for increasing the bioavailibility of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.394-401
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• 2008

In order to access the suppressive effects of piroxicam (PX) and hydrolyzed products of Scutellariae Radix (PSH) on arthritis, we investigated whether PSH gel could suppress the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. PX, one of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been used in the systemic and topical treatment in a variety of inflammatory conditions. Scutellariae Radix, one of the herbal medicines, was used for the purpose of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterials. For the purpose of transdermal absorption of the hydrogel preparations, two classes of hydrogels (PX, PSH) were formulated with carbomer 940, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, polyethylene glycol-8-glyceryl caprylate/caprate and triethanolamine. In carrageenan-induced edema in rat hind paws, inhibition of foot swelling was more increased in PSH than PX hydrogel. Rheumatoid factors including serum IgG, IgM and collagen specific antibody were present much lower in PSH gel treated mice than control. Histological examination revealed that PSH hydrogel inhibited infiltration of inflammatory cells into affected paw joint, compared with control. The PSH hydrogel would be a suitable preparation to increase transdermal treatment for anti-inflammatory effects on collagen-induced arthritis.