Indirubin is an active component of Dang Gui Long Hui Wan, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases as well as for the prevention and treatment of human cancer, such as chronic myeloid leukemia. The therapeutic effects of indirubin analogs have been underestimated due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. To improve the solubility and bioavailability of indirubin analogs, we prepared a mixed micellar formulation with Kolliphor® EL and Tween 80 as surfactants, and PEG 400 as a co-surfactant, followed by complexation with (2-hydroxyproply)-β-cyclodextrin at appropriate ratios. Overall, improving the solubility and skin penetration of indirubin analogs can increase clinical efficacy and provide maximum flux through the skin.
Keywords: lipophilic drugs; mixed micellar formulation; solvent-free delivery system; transdermal drug delivery.