Nicergoline (NIC) is a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid derivative applied for treatment of dementia and other cerebrovascular disorders. The efficacy of sesame oil to slow and reverse the symptoms of neurodegenerative cognitive disorders has been proven. This work aimed to formulate and optimize sesame oil-based NIC-nanostructured lipid carriers (NIC–NLCs) for intranasal (IN) delivery with expected synergistic and augmented neuroprotective properties. The NIC–NLC were prepared using sesame oil as a liquid lipid. A three-level, three-factor Box–Behnken design was applied to statistically optimize the effect of sesame oil (%) of the total lipid, surfactant concentration, and sonication time on particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficacy as responses. Solid-state characterization, release profile, and ex vivo nasal permeation in comparison to NIC solution (NIC–SOL) was studied. In vivo bioavailability from optimized NIC–NLC and NIC–SOL following IN and IV administration was evaluated and compared. The optimized NIC–NLC formula showed an average particle size of 111.18 nm, zeta potential of −15.4 mV, 95.11% entrapment efficacy (%), and 4.6% loading capacity. The NIC–NLC formula showed a biphasic, extended-release profile (72% after 48 h). Permeation of the NIC–NLC formula showed a 2.3 enhancement ratio. Bioavailability studies showed a 1.67 and 4.57 fold increase in plasma and brain following IN administration. The results also indicated efficient direct nose-to-brain targeting properties with the brain-targeting efficiency (BTE%) and direct transport percentage (DTP%) of 187.3% and 56.6%, respectively, after IN administration. Thus, sesame oil-based NIC–NLC can be considered as a promising IN delivery system for direct and efficient brain targeting with improved bioavailability and expected augmented neuroprotective action for the treatment of dementia.

BackgroundHypertensive disorders are the most common complication in pregnancy which can even lead to maternal mortality. Hydralazine hydrochloride (HHC), a direct-acting vasodilator, is intravenously used as the first-line therapy in controlling hypertension in pregnancy (preeclampsia). It suffers poor oral bioavailability (26%–50%) due to first-pass metabolism.ObjectiveThis work aims for the preparation of HHC rapidly disintegrating sublingual tablets of higher absorption rate, short onset of action, and higher bioavailability for rapid control on blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive emergencies especially preeclampsia.MethodsHHC sublingual tablet mixtures were prepared using starch sodium glycolate and Pharmaburst as super disintegrants at three different levels by direct compression and were subjected to full in vitro evaluation; the drug bioavailability from the optimized sublingual tablet formula was assessed in comparison to conventional oral tablets in rabbits, and the clinical efficacy on controlling BP in induced preeclampsia like mouse model was also studied.ResultsThe results indicated compatibility of the prepared tablet mixtures, good flow, and acceptable mechanical strength. Sublingual tablet formula containing Pharmaburst (7%) that showed fastest disintegration (21 seconds) and 100% drug release within 5 minutes was selected for further bioavailability and pharmacodynamic studies. The drug bioavailability was significantly increased with Cmax = 28.2767±4.61 µg/mL, AUC(0–α) = 52.85±3.18 µg.h/mL, and Tmax = 0.33±0.011 hour in comparison to 18.0633±23.2 µg/mL, 33.18±5.18 µg⋅h/mL, and 0.75±0.025 hour for conventional oral tablets. Results of pharmacodynamic studies proved significant rapid control on both systolic and diastolic BP to normal values within only 30 minutes without any significant difference from intravenous data.ConclusionThese results confirm the suitability of the prepared HHC sublingual tablets for use in rapid control on hypertensive crisis especially in pregnant women as an alternate to parenteral administration.