dc.description.abstract | Dissolution studies on various dosage forms (powder, tablets, teabags and alginate beads) of
the Artemisia afra freeze dried aqueous extract (FDAE) all exhibit a rapid release profile.
Generally, such a release profile may be therapeutically undesirable as it may affect
absorption and hence the therapeutic outcome. In addition, also associated with rapid release
profiles, is frequent dosing required (to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations) and
unavoidable fluctuations in plasma drug concentrations, leading to under and or over dosing.
Based on the aforementioned shortcomings, there may be need to modify the dissolution
profile of the phytoconstituents of A. afra. Phytosomes, which are complexes of
phospholipids with phytoconstituents, offer a very viable dosage form option for A. afra as
they could afford advantages of increased lipophilicity hence a decreased dissolution rate and
improved absorption or permeability of the phytoconstituents. | |