Novel solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system to improve the physical performance and bioavailability of supercritical fluid extracts of frankincense and myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicines, and clinical studies have shown that their combined application has a good therapeutic effect on inflammation and tumors. In this study, the supercritical fluid extract of frankincense and myrrh (SFE-FM) was prepared into frankincense and myrrh solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system (FM S-SEDDS) mini-tablets. SFE-FM was used as the main oil phase, and the self-microemulsion was screened using a pseudo-ternary phase diagram and a central composite design. Neusilin was used as the carrier and coating material, with HPMC K100M serving as the matrix material to prepare the sustained-release mini-tablets. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, assessed the FM-SEDDS powders, with evaluations of tensile strength (TS), content uniformity, in vitro release, and in vivo pharmacokinetic conducted on the tablets. The FM-SEDDS had an average particle size of 22.36 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.23, and a zeta potential of −1.66 mV, with stable properties for 30 d room temperature. It demonstrated suitable tableting properties, including flow, compressibility, and compatibility, while retaining its self-microemulsifying capabilities. In vitro testing confirmed complete release of acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), β-boswellic acid (β-BA), and β-elemonic acid (β-EA) compared to blank tablets. Pharmacokinetic results in Beagle dogs indicated a significant sustained-release effect for the three active ingredients with a strong in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC). SEDDS technology can improve the oral bioavailability of liposoluble drugs like SFE-FM, offering promising industrial application potential.