In this study, we will evaluate the relative bioavailability of Berberine (BB) from capsules containing Indian Barberry (Berberis aristate DC.) Bark and Root Extract in the blood plasma of healthy subjects after oral administration of: A. Capsules containing Berberine and GCD (BBA Berberine MetX™ Ultra Absorption, 250 mg) B. Capsules containing Berberine (BB, Berberine MetX™, 500 mg) - (reference product).
Study Background A growing body of evidence suggests that gamma-cyclodextrin (GCD) can increase the clinical efficacy of water-insoluble biologically active compounds with low bioavailability. GCD is the most bio adaptable and helpful to increase the absorption of many drugs, including Berberine from Indian Barberry (Berberis aristate DC.) Bark and Root Extract by forming inclusion complexes or GCD/drug conjugates. Berberine has been recommended in traditional practice and recognized by modern science to support healthy blood sugar†, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and overall metabolic health. But despite these findings, standard Berberine can still be difficult for the body to absorb and use effectively. It's estimated that only about five percent of any given dosage of Berberine makes it into the bloodstream, so finding a way to enhance absorption is key to the full advantage of its benefits. Hypothesis: gamma-cyclodextrin increases absorption and bioavailability of Berberine from Berberine MetX™ Ultra Absorption capsules. The study aims to provide experimental evidence supporting or rejecting this hypothesis. This will be a double-blind, crossover design, pharmacokinetic study, where 16 healthy human volunteers will be randomly assigned to receive two different formulations BBA, and BB, in two consecutive phases of the study: * Phase A. All patients take capsules BBA., provide blood samples in 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (9 points) after administration following washout period for two weeks. * Phase B. All patients take capsules BB, provide blood samples in 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (9 points) after administration following washout period for two weeks. Subjects will be in the clinic from not less than 11 hours pre-dose to ensure at least 10 hours fasting before administering the investigational product. They will remain in the facility post-dose until at least 24 hours each period, provided they are not suffering from any adverse event. The concentration of Berberine in all blood samples will be determined using a validated for a limit of detection, accuracy, and precision analytical method (HPLC-MS) with the internal standard - digoxin. Appropriate mathematical methods and Kinetic 4.4.1 software will be used to generate basic pharmacokinetic parameters.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
16
Experimental modified product. One capsule contains 250 mg of Berberine from Indian Barberry (Berberis aristate DC.) Bark and Root Extract incorporated in gamma-cyclodextrin
Active comparator. One capsule contains 500 mg of Berberine from Indian Barberry (Berberis aristate DC.) Bark and Root Extract
CARDIOMED Family Health Center, LLC of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia
Institute of Fine Organic Chemistry of the National Academy of Science
Yerevan, Armenia
Scientific Center of Drug and Medical Technologies Expertise
Yerevan, Armenia
Phytomed AB
Våxtorp, HL, Sweden
The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC, expressed in ng x h/mL) of berberine incorporated in gamma-cyclodextrin
The changes from the baseline the concentration (ng/ml) of berberine in blood plasma obtained after oral administration of the experimental product BBA.
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, post-dose
The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC, expressed in ng x h/mL) of berberine
The changes from the baseline the concentration (ng/ml) of berberine in blood plasma obtained after oral administration of the active comparator BB.
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, post-dose
The absorption rate constants (Ka, h-1) of berberine incorporated in gamma-cyclodextrin
The absorption rate constants (Ka, h-1) of berberine obtained after oral administration of the experimental modified product BBA.
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, post-dose
The absorption rate constants (Ka, h-1) of berberine
The absorption rate constants (Ka, h-1) of berberine obtained after oral administration of the active comparator BB.
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, post-dose
Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax, ng/ml) of Berberine incorporated in gamma-cyclodextrin
Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax, ng/ml), of berberine obtained after oral administration of the experimental modified product BBA
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, post-dose
Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax, ng/ml) of Berberine
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Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax, ng/ml), of berberine - obtained after oral administration of the active comparator BB.
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, post-dose
Time to reach maximum plasma concentration, Tmax (h) of berberine incorporated in gamma-cyclodextrin
Time to reach maximum plasma concentration, Tmax (h) of berberine obtained after oral administration of the experimental modified product BBA
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, post-dose
Time to reach maximum plasma concentration, Tmax (h) of berberine
Time to reach maximum plasma concentration, Tmax (h) of berberine obtained after oral administration of the active comparator BB.
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, post-dose
Mean absorption time MAT (h) of berberine incorporated in gamma-cyclodextrin
Mean absorption time MAT (h) of berberine obtained after oral administration of the experimental modified product BBA
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, post-dose
Mean absorption time MAT (h) of berberine
Mean absorption time MAT (h) of berberine obtained after oral administration of the active comparator BB
Time frame: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, post-dose