Approaches to Improve Solubility, Stability and the Clinical Potential of Andrographolide: A Review

Andrographolide (AGL) is an active phytoconstituent of Andrographis paniculata, which is chemically a diterpenoid lactone ring. The various pharmacological activities of this compound are reported but a clinically remarkable effect was not observed due to their poor aqueous solubility and instability in different physiological conditions. This review comprises different approaches to enhance their solubility, stability and bioavailability of various physical and chemical modifications were made with Andrographolide. The nanotechnology-based approach in formulation shows the significant result to improve the characteristics of phytoconstituents. So various Formulations were developed like Nanoparticles (NPs), Liposome, Nanoemulsion (NE), etc. which multi-fold increases the solubility of AGL. In the modern era along with stability and solubility of the drug, controlled release pattern and targeted drug delivery is also major concern. Therefore, various novel formulations were developed by using a combination of two system approach to enhance safety and efficacy were comprised in the review. This dual approach gives a better therapeutic response as compared to a single nano-carrier system-based approach.