Effect of porous silica adsorption and β-cyclodextrin inclusion on the release and pharmacokinetics of trans-cinnamaldehyde

This study investigates the effects of various curing methods on the dissolution, in vitro release, and pharmacokinetics of trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA). CA was cured and characterized using porous silica adsorption and β-cyclodextrin inclusion. The dissolution and release profiles were determined, followed by conducting comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies in SD rats. The successful preparation of the two cures was verified by analytical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Both curing methods significantly increased the cumulative dissolution and cumulative release of CA at pH 1.2, 4.5 and 6.8. In comparison to free CA, the use of porous silica adsorption not only enhanced the in vitro release of CA but also significantly increased its C_max and the AUC_0-∞ in rats. β-Cyclodextrin inclusion delays CA release in vitro, decreases C_max in vivo in rats and significantly increases AUC_0-∞. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangsu Province Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Ethics Approval Number: AEWC-20220815-230). Our findings revealed that porous silica adsorption significantly enhanced both the in vitro release and the in vivo uptake rate of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Conversely, β-cyclodextrin inclusion of CA led to a noticeable retardation in its in vitro release and a moderate decrease in the in vivo uptake rate.