Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides (TFH).

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides (TFH) were prepared by high-pressure homogenization (HPH), by both hot HPH and cold HPH. The influence of process parameters (lipid matrix, lipid concentration, carbohydrate type and its concentration) on the SLN size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, crystal form, and in vitro release profile was investigated. The highest entrapment efficiency for TFH, at around 93%, was found for SLNs composed of TFH/Compritol 888 ATO in a 1:30 molar ratio and made by cold HPH. The advantages of TFH SLNs are the improved oral bioavailability of TFH and the prolonged mean retention time and drug release time.