Transcellular transport characteristics of huperzine alone or in combination with ginkgolide B across Caco-2 and Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayer.

Objective: To study the various processes involved in transcellular transport (TT) of huperzine A alone or in combination with ginkgolide B in Caco-2 and Madin-Darby canine renal (MDCK) cell monolayer.

Methods: The transepithelial passage was assayed in the apical-to-basolateral (AP to BL) direction and opposite direction (BL to AP) in both cell lines. The determination of huperzine A and ginkgolide B were performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The passage rates of huperzine A and ginkgolide B were calculated. Bi-directional TT (absorption and secretion) were taken in huperzine A and ginkgolide B in Caco-2 and MDCK cell monolayer.

Results: TT absorption and secretion kinetics of huperzine A and ginkgolide B across two cells existed at the same time. The passage rates of huperzine A were increased significantly with adding different concentrations of ginkgolide B.

Conclusions: The compound preparations of HA in combination with GB for dementia caused by cerebral ischemic have synergistic effects on the pharmacodynamics, and improve the bioavailability through BBB.