Development of a myricetin/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Preparation, characterization, and evaluation

Myricetin shows low oral bioavailability (<10%) in rats due to poor aqueous solubility, though it has various pharmacological activities. Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a potent pharmaceutical method to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds. The myricetin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex was prepared and confirmed by DSC, PXRD, and SEM. Here, the inclusion mode is described in detail with regard to structural and energetic aspects using a phase solubility diagram and 1H NMR, NOESY, and FT-IR spectra. The water solubility and dissolution rate of myricetin were greatly enhanced by forming the myricetin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex. Consequently, the oral bioavailability of the myricetin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex in rats was effectively increased 9.4-fold over free myricetin, and its antioxidant activity was also improved. The present study provides useful information for the potential application of complexation with myricetin, a naturally occurring hydrophobic phenolic compound in herbal medicine.