Preparation and Characterization of Honokiol Nanosuspensions and Preliminary Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Effect.

The study mainly aimed to improve the solubility of honokiol (HK) by preparing honokiol nanosuspensions (HNS). In this study, HNS were obtained using Kolliphor®P407 (P407) as a stabilizer through melting method combined with high pressure homogenization (HPH). The crystalline state of HNS was confirmed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). In vitro, the dissolution rate of HNS was significantly improved than that of pure HK. In vivo, higher anti-inflammatory activity was achieved after free HK had been made into HNS. There was no significant difference between the degree of edema (DE) of HNS group and that of aspirin group. Consequently, melting method combined with HPH was a potent technique to prepare HNS. Furthermore, nanosuspension was a valid formulation that could be utilized to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of HK.