Polymorphic characterization and implications on biopharmaceutics properties of potential anti-inflammatory drug candidate eremantholide C from Lychnophora trichocarpha (Brazilian Arnica)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To perform the polymorphic and physicochemical characterization of the potential anti-inflammatory drug, eremantholide C (EREC), as well as to evaluate the influence of these characteristics on its biopharmaceutics classification. Methods Eremantholide C was obtained from chloroformic extract of Lychnophora trichocarpha and crystallized in two distinct solvents: chloroform (EREC 1) and ethyl acetate (EREC 2). To evaluate the polymorphism, EREC samples were submitted to melting point, purity, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. In addition, EREC samples crystallized after intrinsic dissolution study were submitted to DSC and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. Key findings EREC 1 showed fusion at 234.7–241.6 °C, while EREC 2 showed fusion at 238.6–243.7 °C. No polymorphic transitions were observed during the intrinsic dissolution experiment. A single sharp endothermic peak was obtained for the EREC samples. X-ray diffraction showed no crystallographic differences between the EREC samples. EREC 1 and EREC 2 showed birefringence under polarized light and indefinite morphology; however, the shape of the crystals was common to the two samples. Conclusions Eremantholide C does not present classical or morphological polymorphism; therefore, there is no influence of crystalline transitions in the solubility and consequently in its biopharmaceutics classification and oral absorption process.