Blood chemical components analysis of honeysuckle and formulation of xanthan gum/starch-based (PVA-co-AA) hydrogels for controlled release

Abstract

Honeysuckle is a commonly used Chinese medicine for treating intestinal inflammation and other diseases. Compounds that are absorbed into the blood produce pharmacodynamic effects. However, it is still unclear which compounds in honeysuckle are absorbed into the blood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the composition and in vivo absorption of active components in honeysuckle in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and develop a controlled release hydrogel system. UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used to determine the active ingredients of honeysuckle in vitro and in vivo. A total of 80, out of which 42 components were found to be absorbed into the blood, which includes flavonoids, iridoids, organic acids and other compounds. FTIR analysis confirmed crosslinking between hydrogel content and drug loading, and TGA and DSC analysis indicated a high thermal stability. XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity following crosslinking, and SEM revealed an irregular and hard surface. The maximum swelling and drug release were observed at pH 7.4 as compared to pH 1.2. The identified blood components can be used to determine Q-markers, while the prepared hydrogels can serve as an effective and promising carrier for the controlled release of honeysuckle extracts.

Keywords

• Lonicera japonica
• Extracts
• Hydrogels
• Decoction
• UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS