A pure citrus oil from oranges, lemons, and limes is proving extremely efficient in relieving dry mouth, and when mixed with a brand new lipid formulation, new analysis suggests it might be efficient with out vital unintended effects.
Developed by the College of South Australia in collaboration with the Medical College at Stanford College, this world first formulation uniquely combines limonene (a citrus important oil) with a lipid-based drug supply system to deal with dry mouth (xerostomia), a standard aspect impact of radiotherapy.
The brand new components demonstrated 180-fold higher solubility than pure limonene in lab experiments and boosted relative bioavailability by over 4000% in comparison with pure limonene in pre-clinical trials.
Dry mouth is essentially the most reported aspect impact following radiotherapy for the remedy of head and neck most cancers, affecting as much as 70% of sufferers resulting from salivary gland harm. It might result in issue talking and swallowing, considerably lowering high quality of life.
Limonene has protecting results on saliva manufacturing throughout radiotherapy, however its poor solubility means excessive doses are wanted to take impact, and these trigger indigestion, belly discomfort and unsightly ‘citrus burps’.
Lead researcher, Professor Clive Prestidge says UniSA’s new limonene-lipid mixture creates a ‘super-solubilizing’ remedy that reduces dry mouth at decrease dose and with out uncomfortable unintended effects.
“The therapeutic advantages of limonene are well-known. It’s used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing agent, and may enhance digestion and intestine perform. However regardless of its widespread use, its volatility and poor solubility have restricted its growth as an oral remedy,” Prof Prestidge says.
“As limonene is an oil, it types a movie on the highest of the abdomen contents, inflicting vital abdomen ache and discomfort.
“Our novel formulation combines limonene with wholesome fat and oils – referred to as lipids – to create a super-solubilizing compound that the physique can simply take in with decreased uncomfortable unintended effects.
“This will increase the dispersion of limonene within the abdomen, boosts absorption, and controls biodistribution – all whereas rising a affected person’s saliva manufacturing and lowering dry mouth.”
Co-researcher Dr Leah Wright says the formulation has the potential to considerably enhance the standard of life for most cancers sufferers and others struggling dry mouth situations.
Most cancers sufferers present process radiotherapy and different medical remedies commonly expertise dry mouth, which not solely prevents them from comfortably swallowing, however may produce other adverse and doubtlessly life-threatening outcomes,”
Dr Leah Wright, Co-researcher, College of Adelaide
“Whereas limonene could be ingested instantly, it’s not properly tolerated, particularly by these with dry mouth. Plus, its poor absorption prevents it from successfully reaching the salivary glands – the goal website.
“This ingenious and extremely impactful limonene-lipid formulation might present a easy, efficient oral answer for dry mouth, providing most cancers sufferers long-lasting aid and luxury, improved oral well being, and a better high quality of life throughout a troublesome time.”
Scientific trials for the brand new components are ongoing, with subsequent steps to be introduced quickly.
Supply:
College of South Australia
