To exploit aqueous-soluble formulation and improve the anticoccidial activity of 4,4'-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC, active component of nicarbazin), this paper prepared DNC/GA/PVP K30 solid dispersion (SD) with glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 by a mechanical ball milling method without using any organic solvent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy were used for the solid state characterization. High performance liquid chromatography, critical micelle concentration, particle characterization, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the behavior in aqueous solution. In addition, the oral bioavailability, tissue distribution, and anticoccidial activity of DNC/GA/PVP K30 SD were investigated as well. Compared with free drug, the novel formulation not only improved the solubility and dissolution rate of DNC, but also inhibited the fecal output of oocysts and enhanced the therapeutic effect of coccidiosis. According to the experiment results, the DNC/GA/PVP K30 SD increased 4.64-fold in oral bioavailability and dramatically enhanced the concentration in liver which provided a basis for further research in schistosomiasis. In summary, our findings suggested that DNC/GA/PVP K30 SD may have promising applications in the treatment of coccidiosis.
Keywords: DNC; PVP; coccidiosis; glycyrrhizic acid; micelles; nicarbazin.