Formulation and Evaluation of Oral Dosage Form of Berberis aristata Extract for Improvement in Dissolution and Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Berberis aristata is well known for its medicinal activities but the major issue is its poor solubility and low bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to formulate, develop and evaluate the Berberis aristata extract oral dosage form for improvement in dissolution and its potential for anti-inflammatory activity. The capsule formulation of Berberis aristata extract was developed by the inclusion complex method. A dissolution study was carried out to estimate % drug release. The anti-inflammatory potential was determined by the carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Molecular docking studies were performed on the selected inflammation targets to check the binding efficiency of the drug. As per the experimental findings, the formulated capsule showed a better % drug release when compared with the plain extract and the marketed formulation. The animal model showed a significant reduction (p< 0.001) at the 3rd and 5th hours of edema induction in the developed formulation-treated group compared to the marketed formulation. Molecular docking studies showed similar binding affinity of Berberine in comparison to anti-inflammatory drug Indomethacin. From the obtained results, it was proposed that the increase in dissolution of Berberis aristata extract may contribute to an increase in the anti-inflammatory potential.