A new silymarin preparation based on solid dispersion technique

Adv Ther. 2005 Nov-Dec;22(6):595-600. doi: 10.1007/BF02849953.

Abstract

Silymarin is a hepatoprotective agent that is poorly soluble in water. The present study describes a new preparation of solid dispersions in the form of "dripping pills" designed to enhance solubility. Dripping pills of silymarin were prepared at a 1:4 ratio by the traditional fusion method with the use of a mixture of silymarin and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). The prepared dripping pills were spherical and 3 to 4 mm in diameter, with an average weight of 30 mg per pill and with each pill containing 5 mg of silymarin. The dissolution rates of silymarin in dripping pill and of 3 other silymarin preparations, including Yiganling Film-Coating Tablet, Yiganling Sugar-Coating Tablet, and Legalon Capsule, were determined in pH 1.2 medium. The dissolution rate (T50) of the silymarin dripping pill was found to be significantly higher (by a factor of 7.5-11) than those of the other 3 preparations.

MeSH terms

  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Protective Agents / chemistry*
  • Silymarin / chemistry*
  • Solubility
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical

Substances

  • Protective Agents
  • Silymarin
  • Polyethylene Glycols