Publication: Pharmaceutics
Abstract
Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular xanthophyll carotenoids valued for their antioxidant and blue-light filtering properties, but their oral bioavailability from conventional oil-based formulations is limited. This study compared four single-dose lipid-based delivery systems, including medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil alone and combined with phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylserine, as well as a liposomal powder, in male Sprague-Dawley rats, with plasma concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS and non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters calculated using Phoenix WinNonlin. The phosphatidylserine-complexed formulation produced the highest lutein and zeaxanthin exposure, significantly exceeding the MCT-oil control in both Cmax and AUC, while phosphatidylcholine-enriched oil and the liposomal powder also outperformed MCT oil alone. Elimination half-life did not differ meaningfully between formulations. The results suggest phospholipid-based, and particularly phosphatidylserine-based, lipid complexes could substantially improve the systemic availability of lutein and zeaxanthin in ocular-health products.
Author(s): Mehkri S, Dinesh KG, Ashok G, Bopanna K
Published: 2025 年 12 月 2 日
Phoenix WinNonlin: Comparing Delivery Systems
Phoenix WinNonlin calculated exposure across four lipid-based formulations in this study, pinpointing which delivery system improves lutein and zeaxanthin bioavailability. Phoenix WinNonlin is trusted by regulators worldwide, including the FDA, as part of a Phoenix platform used by more than 1,600 companies across 60 countries.
