Abstract
Background
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation, joint pain, and progressive functional impairment [1]. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remain a cornerstone for symptomatic management by reducing pain and inflammation through cyclooxygenase inhibition [2]. Etoricoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor widely prescribed for inflammatory conditions due to its improved gastrointestinal safety compared to non-selective NSAIDs. However, etoricoxib belongs to the biopharmaceutical classification system class II and exhibits poor aqueous solubility, leading to delayed onset of action and limited oral bioavailability [3].
Various formulation strategies have been explored to enhance the oral performance of poorly water-soluble drugs, including lipid-based delivery systems. Among these, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems have gained considerable attention due to their ability to form fine oil-in-water nanoemulsions upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids [4]. These systems improve drug solubilization, promote rapid dissolution, and enhance intestinal absorption [5]. Despite these advantages, liquid self-nanoemulsifying systems suffer from formulation instability, handling difficulties, and compatibility issues with capsule shells, which limit their practical application [6]. Conversion of liquid self-nanoemulsifying systems into solid dosage forms represents an effective approach to overcome these limitations while preserving their biopharmaceutical advantages [7]. The liquisolid technique enables adsorption of liquid formulations onto solid carriers, resulting in free-flowing powders with improved stability and ease of administration [8]. This approach has shown promise in enhancing dissolution and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs [9].
Selection of a suitable oil phase plays a critical role in the performance of nanoemulsifying systems [10]. Ginger oil possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties attributed to its bioactive constituents such as gingerols and shogaols [11]. In addition to its therapeutic potential, ginger oil offers high solubilization capacity for lipophilic drugs, making it an attractive functional oil for nanoemulsifying formulations [12].
The present study aimed to develop and optimize a ginger oil-based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of etoricoxib using a Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach. While SNEDDS formulations have previously been investigated for BCS class II drugs, the current work specifically focuses on the development of a ginger oil-based solid SNEDDS for etoricoxib and evaluates its ability to preserve nanoemulsion characteristics upon reconstitution and enhance oral exposure in a rat model. The optimized formulation was further characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, and in vivo pharmacokinetic performance in Wistar rats to assess its potential for improving the oral bioavailability of etoricoxib.
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Materials
Thyme, ginger, clove, fennel, and eucalyptus oil were purchased from Moksha Lifestyle Products (New Delhi, India). Capmul MCM was purchased from Abitec Corporation (Janesville, WI, USA). Labrafill M 2125 CS and Lauroglycol 90 were provided by Gattefossé (Saint-Priest, France). Kolliphor RS 40 was purchased from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany). Propylene glycol (PEG) was obtained from Thomas Baker Chemicals, India. PEG 400, PEG 200, Tween 40 and 80, and methanol of HPLC grade were purchased from Thomas Baker Chemicals (Mumbai, India), and water of HPLC grade was supplied by Millipore (Burlington, MA, USA). All further materials utilized were analytical grade.
Adnan Burhan Qader, Ginger Oil Based Solid Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Etoricoxib with Improved Oral Bioavailability, Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2026, ISSN 1573-4129, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpan.2026.04.005.
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