Chitosan/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complex microparticles for enhanced oral delivery of ibuprofen and escin: pharmacokinetic and safety assessment in Wistar rats.

This study investigated the effects of encapsulating the model drugs ibuprofen and escin in chitosan/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complex-based microparticles after oral administration to Wistar rats on their pharmacokinetics and safety profiles. Microencapsulation of ibuprofen led to a threefold increase in serum concentration 30 min after oral administration. Microencapsulation improved the bioavailability of escin by 1.3-fold, shortened the Tmax by half and increased the maximum serum concentration by 2.5-fold, addressing its low oral bioavailability. Biochemical assessments of the microparticles showed no significant adverse effects on liver or kidney function after 14 days of administration. Histological analysis confirmed the absence of pathological changes in other organs, including the heart, spleen, pancreas, stomach and small intestine. Microencapsulation mitigated the hepatic and renal toxicity of ibuprofen while maintaining its high bioavailability. The safety of escin was also maintained both in solution and in microparticle form. These findings emphasize the potential of chitosan/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complex-based microparticles to overcome the respective challenges of oral administration of ibuprofen and escin.