Comparison of the small intestinal absorption of baicalin and baicalin drop pills by Caco-2 cell model

Objective:To study the absorption of baicalin and baicalin drop pills through small intestine.Methods:Using Caco-2 cell monolayers as an intestinal epithelial cell model,transmembrane transports of baicalin and its drop pills were studied from apical side(AP) to basolateral side(BL).The ability of transmembrane transport was compared between the baicalin and its drop pills by determining the transfer percentage and the apparent permeability coefficient(Papp) in the Caco-2 cell model.Results:After transport of 135 minutes,the transfer percentage of baicalin and baicalin drop pills were 1.00% and 6.25% respectively,and the Papp values(from AP to BL) were(0.664±0.103)×10-6 cm·s-1 and(4.462±1.10)×10-6 cm·s-1 respectively.The Papp value of baicalin drop pills was about six times higher than that of baicalin.The transfer percentage of baicalin drop pills was proportional to time within 180 minutes.Conclusion:The absorption of baicalin through small intestine may be significantly improved in baicalin drop pills.