Incorporating Design of Experiment (Doe) Principles To Niosomal Cerebroprotective Phytoformulation Development

An cerebroprotective phytoconstituent loaded niosomes for nose to brain delivery was formulated. The main objective of this study was firstly to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble phytoconstituents Rutin and Quercetin, secondly to ease the administration through nasal route and thirdly to investigate the niosome encapsulated phytoconstituent for its cerebroprotective activity. Method: Niosomal formulations were optimized using design of experiment by altering the proportions of range of non-ionic surfactants(Tween 80, Pluronic L81, PluronicP123, span80,captex 200P,Capmul PG NF8,Labrasol), Ratio of cholesterol to surfactant, RPM and sonication. The formulations were prepared by ether injection method. The formulation was then evaluated for morphological characterization, encapsulation efficiency, and viscosity. Cerebroprotective activity of optimized niosomal formulation against bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) induced stroke in rats was studied. Phytoconstituent niosomes formulated using Tween 80 was found to entrap high amounts of drug, and show sufficient quantity of in vitro release.  Consequences showed that the niosomal formulation of Rutin and Quercetin gives the cerebroprotective action at the dose of 3mg/kg of each drug. Based on the results of histopathology study, it can be concluded that test formulation may have potential to attenuate histopathological alterations caused due to ischemia and can be considered as a promising approach for the cerebroprotective Phytoconstituents.