Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems ( SEDDS ) are mixtures of oils, surfactants and cosurfactants, which efficiently improve dissolution of sparingly soluble drugs by rapid self-emulsification. Ginkgo biloba extract ( GBE ) has become a widely used herbal remedy for increasing cognitive function in the elderly. Based on a pseudo-ternary phase diagram and in vitro self-emulsification efficiency, the optimum formulation
was obtained for GBE. The in vitro dissolution behavior of SEDDS was measured, taking the tablets as reference. As for the optimum formulation, ethyl oleate, T50C50 ( 50 % Tween 80-50 % Cremophor EL35 ) and 1, 2-propanediol were selected as the oil phase, emulsifier and
cosolvent, respectively, in proportions 45: 45: 10. The content of GBE was fixed at 12.5 % w/w of the vehicle. The in vitro dissolution rates of the active components of GBE from optimal SEDDS were significantly faster than those of the GBE tablets.

Key words: Ginkgo biloba extracts, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, pseudo-ternary phase diagram, dissolution