Oral bioavailability of cantharidin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

CA-SLNs were prepared by a film dispersion--ultrasonication method. The physiochemical properties were studied by transmission electron microscopy. In vitro release and in vivo evaluation of CA-SLNs were studied by GC and GC-MS, while a comparison of the pharmacokinetic properties between CA-SLNs and free CA was performed in rats.The mean size, drug content and encapsulation yield of CA-SLNs were 121 nm, 13.28 +/- 0.12% and 93.83 +/- 0.45%, respectively. The results show that CA-SLNs had a sustained release profile without a burst effect, a higher bioavailability than free CA after oral administration, and that the relative bioavailability of CA-SLNs to free CA was 250.8%.CA-SLNs could improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of CA.