Preparation and in vitro–in vivo evaluation of Witepsol® H35 based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was formulated into self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) to overcome low bioavailability attributed to hydrophobic nature of the drug. Screening of oil phase, surfactants and co-surfactants were performed to select Witepsol® H35, Solutol® HS15 and Lauroglycol® FCC, respectively. Ternary phase diagrams were drawn to identify nanoemulsifying region followed by optimization of SNEDDS formulation. The optimized formulation, CoQ10, Witepsol® H35, Solutol® HS15 and Lauroglycol® FCC in the weight ratio of 1:0.7:4:2, respectively, emulsified readily at 37 °C with mean emulsion droplet size of 32.4 nm. The stability test of the optimized formulation in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers confirmed no pH effect on emulsion droplet size. In vitro dissolution (emulsification) test and in vivo animal study of the formulation elucidated the complete emulsification of drug and improved oral bioavailability of poorly soluble CoQ10.