Objective: To prepare the self-microemulsifying soft capsule (SMESC) of Duyiwei and investigate its dissolution property.
Methods: Through solubility experiment, self-microemulsification in vitro, drawing phase diagram and investigating the stability of solution, the optimum formulation was determined for Duyiwei. The dissolution of SMESC was measured, taking the commercial capsule as reference.
Results: In the optimum formulation, Labrasol, Transcutol P and ethyl oleate were screened as emulsifier, co-emulsifier and oil phase, respectively. The optimized proportion was 60: 25: 15. The dissolution of SMESC in water was more than 85% in 10 minutes, while that of the commercial capsule was less than 50% in 60 minutes.
Conclusion: In comparison with the commercial capsule, the dissolution of SMESC is sufficiently improved in water.