Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Dispersions of Poorly Water-Soluble Drug- Hesperidin

Hesperidin is a plant-derived flavonoid, abundantly present in the different citrus species, including lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit. It possesses the diverse biological potential of therapeutic significance, including anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, antioxidant, insulin-sensitizing, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anti-carcinogenic activities. The objective of the present study was to enhance the dissolution characteristics of the model drug by increasing the solubility and release rate of hesperidin through solid dispersions using natural polymers by the hot-melt extrusion method. The compatibility analysis was carried out through Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The kinetic studies for drug release mechanisms were characterized through zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson-Crowell models. The dissolution analysis of solid dispersions showed exhibited more than 99% drug released. The optimized formulation was found to follow the Higuchi model of drug release kinetics with an R2 value of 0.919. Solid dispersions containing natural polymers prepared through the hot-melt extrusion method exhibited significant enhancement in the release profile compared to a pure drug, hesperidin.