Enhancement of bioavailability of griseofulvin by its complexation with β-cyclodextrin

Griseofulvin is a poorly soluble antifungal antibiotic drug, the solubility of which can be enhanced by complexation with beta-cyclodextrin. The inclusion complex was prepared by coprecipitation method in various molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 1:2 of the drug and beta-cyclodextrin, respectively. The inclusion complex was characterized and evaluated by UV-VIS spectral studies and FTIR. The in vitro drug release studies indicated that the 1:2 molar ratio complex form of the drug significantly increased the dissolution rate when compared to the free form. The acute toxicity studies clearly indicated that the beta-cyclodextrin complex was nontoxic and the safety range was close to other Griseofulvin formulations. The in vivo study of the beta-cyclodextrin was carried out in both animals and human beings by administering in four different rabbits and volunteers, respectively. Pellets made with Griseofulvin-beta-cyclodextrin complex also showed a significant increase in the dissolution of the drug, revealing that beta-cyclodextrin plays an important role in the solubilization of Griseofulvin.