Development of a topical pharmaceutical formulation containing glycoalkaloids extract of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hil

Abstract

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill. (Solanaceae) is a shrub or small tree, popularly known as lobeira, Fruta-do-lobo, guarambá, and jurubebão, extensively used in folk medicine. It is from Brazilian cerrado (savanna) and has high concentrations of steroidal alkaloids, mainly solamargine and solasodine, which have a high potential for anticancer activity. Skin cancer has concerned the authorities in the world because of its growth rates. Therefore, the search for a new active anticancer is paramount. For the formulation development, S. lycocarpum fruits will be collected, chopped, dried, and ground using a hammer mill. The powdered material will be submitted to acid-base extraction to obtain the alkaloid extract. The precipitate will be dried and dissolved in ethanol, and glycoalkaloids content will be determined by HPLC. A totally natural topical formulation will be developed using the glycoalkaloid extract. This formulation will be evaluated by in vitro tests of skin permeation and penetration in Franz diffusion cell using pork skin. The formulation stability will be also measured by undertaking: accelerated stability studies, different storage temperatures, and periods of time. In addition, rheology studies of the formulation will be performed.(AU)