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.