Preparation and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of Witepsol H35 based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of coenzyme Q(10).

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) was formulated into self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) to overcome low bioavailability attributed to hydrophobic nature of the drug. Screening of oil phase, surfactants and co-surfactants were performed to select Witepsol H35, Solutol HS15 and Lauroglycol FCC, respectively. Ternary phase diagrams were drawn to identify nanoemulsifying region followed by optimization of SNEDDS formulation. The optimized formulation, CoQ(10), Witepsol H35, Solutol HS15 and Lauroglycol FCC in the weight ratio of 1:0.7:4:2, respectively, emulsified readily at 37 degrees C with mean emulsion droplet size of 32.4 nm. The stability test of the optimized formulation in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers confirmed no pH effect on emulsion droplet size. In vitro dissolution (emulsification) test and in vivo animal study of the formulation elucidated the complete emulsification of drug and improved oral bioavailability of poorly soluble CoQ(10). 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.