DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF KUTKI PHOSPHOLIPID COMPLEX USING CENTRAL COMPOSITE DESIGN AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) is a medicinal herb with remarkable pharmacological properties. However, poor solubility of the active principles limits its medicinal value. This study sought to prepare kutki phospholipid complex in phospholipids such as phosphatidyl choline in order to improve its solubility and permeability. Kutki phospholipid complex (phytosome) was prepared by solvent evaporation method. The study was conducted using central composite design (CCD) with a 3³ designs and total of 20 experimental runs. The complex was characterized for solubility, entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size and zeta potential, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), drug release, and in-vitro antioxidant activity. The optimized batch showed substantial enhancement of solubility and entrapment efficiency. FTIR study indicates the interaction between phosphatidylcholine and Kutki extract. SEM showed the surface morphology of complex depicting the conversion of crystalline drug into amorphous complex. The in-vitro release was significantly higher for the complex (93.43%) than the drug (19.65%) after 7 h. Enhanced solubility, absorption and antioxidant effect may improve the overall pharma-cological effects and medicinal value of Picrorrhiza kurroa extract.