Use of nanoparticles to increase the systemic bioavailability of trans-resveratrol

Resveratrol is a substance of plant origin with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties used as a biologically active supplement in the prophylaxis of myocardial infarction, types 1 and 2 diabetes, and tumors. The aim of the present work was to develop and perform pharmacokinetic studies of a nanosomal form of resveratrol. The techniques described here yield particles of submicron size, with resveratrol yields of 70-100% and resveratrol contents in lyophilized formulations reaching 15-20%. After oral administration of unmodified resveratrol to mice, only 19% of the dose was taken up into the blood, while use of nanosomal resveratrol formulations based on Eudragit RL and lecithin/chitosan increased bioavailability to 39% and 61% respectively. Increases in the peak plasma resveratrol concentration by factors of 4-5 were also seen in mice given nanoparticles. Thus, conversion of resveratrol to the nanosomal form leads to solubilization and resultant increases in absorption into the bloodstream.