Preparation and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Nanoemulsion containing Piperine for Nasal Drug Delivery System

Piperine a bio active constituent isolated from pepper (Piper nigrum and Piper longum L.) is a naturally occurring alkaloid have validated for several health effects and valuable therapeutic effects. However, its biological applications are limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. This emphasizes on the development of new drug delivery system for piperine to improve its in-vivo bioavailability. The present study reports the development and characterization of mucoadhesive nanoemulsion (MNE) containing piperine. MNE formulations were prepared using titration method and characterized in relation to appearance, globule size, zeta potential, thermodynamic stability testing, Ex-vivo evaluation and in-vitro drug permeation study. The MNE of piperine have small globule size (˂ 150nm) and positive zata potential. The spherical surface was confirmed from TEM. pH of MNE was compatible with nasal administration. In vitro release of MNE system in nasal mucosal membrane demonstrated prompt and effective release with more than 75 % of drug release in 4 h.