| DOI: 10.29090/psa.2026.03.26.10750 | Pharm Sci Asia 2026; 53(3), 286-293 |
Antihyperglycemic effects of apigenin-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS): Evidence from α-glucosidase inhibition and oral glucose tolerance testVilasinee Hirunpanich Sato 1,2, Hitoshi Sato 2, Manaw Sangfuang 1, Jannarin Nontakham 3, Varaporn Buraphacheep Junyaprasert 4, Veerawat Teeranachaideekul 4, Boontida Morakul 4,*
1 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
2 Innovation Center of Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
3 Clinical Research Section, Division of Research and Academic Support, National Cancer Institute, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
4 Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Apigenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits promising antidiabetic activity; however, its clinical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential of apigenin formulated in a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) using both in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition and in vivo oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Based on our previous work, two SNEDDS formulations (A and B), each containing 0.5% (w/w) apigenin, were successfully developed and characterized, differing in the proportions of Gelucire® 44/14, Tween 80, and PEG 400 (25:37.5:37.5 and 30:35:35, respectively). In the present study, in vitro results showed that both formulations exhibited concentration-dependent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with similar IC50 values of 63.5 ± 17.0 and 58.0 ± 10.3 µg/mL for Formulations A and B, respectively, indicating approximately 10-fold greater potency than acarbose. The antihyperglycemic effect was further evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)–nicotinamide (NA)-induced diabetic mice using an OGTT. Both SNEDDS formulations (50 mg/kg) significantly lowered postprandial blood glucose levels and reduced the area under the glucose concentration–time curve (AUC0-120) compared to diabetic controls (p < 0.05). The glucose-lowering effects were similar to those of glibenclamide, with no significant differences between the two formulations. These results indicate that apigenin-loaded SNEDDS exhibit significant antihyperglycemic effects, likely mediated by enhanced oral absorption and inhibition of α-glucosidase. Overall, this study supports the favorable safety profile and therapeutic potential of apigenin-loaded SNEDDS and offers a strong preclinical foundation for further development as an oral antihyperglycemic treatment.
Keyword:
Apigenin; Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS); Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); α-glucosidase inhibition; Antihyperglycemic activity
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