Hot melt extrusion as an approach to improve solubility, permeability and oral absorption of a psychoactive natural product, piperine.

Objective: The aims of the current research project were to investigate the efficiency of various polymers to enhance the solubility and increase the systemic absorption of piperine using hot melt extrusion technology.

Methods: Piperine 10-40% w/w and Eudragit(®) EPO/Kollidon(®) VA 64 or Soluplus(®) were mixed, and the resulting blends were extruded using a twin-screw extruder (Process 11, Thermo Fisher Scientific). Drug release profiles and piperine solubility studies of the extrudates were evaluated.