The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize a novel piperine–succinic acid multicomponent crystal phase and to evaluate the improvement in the solubility and dissolution rate of piperine when prepared in the multicomponent crystal formation. The solid-state characterization of the novel multicomponent crystal was performed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Solubility and dissolution rate profiles were evaluated in distilled water. The physical stability was evaluated under high relative humidity (75% and 100% RH). The determination of the single crystal X-ray diffraction structure revealed that this novel multicomponent crystal was a cocrystalline phase of piperine–succinic acid (2:1 molar ratio). The differential scanning calorimetry thermogram of the cocrystal showed a single and sharp endothermic peak at 110.49 °C. The cocrystal resulted in greater solubility and a faster dissolution rate of piperine than intact piperine. This improvement was a result of the formation of a channel structure in the cocrystal. In addition, the cocrystal was stable under a humid condition.

The aim of this research is to prepare and characterize solid dispersion of efavirenz – polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K-30 by freeze drying to increase its solubility. Solid dispersion of efavirenz – PVP K-30 was prepared by solvent evaporation method with ratio 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 and dried using a freeze dryer. Characterizations were done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Solubility test was carried out in CO₂-free distilled water, and efavirenz assay was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography with acetonitrile:acetic acid (80:20) as the mobile phases. Powder X-ray diffractogram showed a decrease in the peak intensity, which indicated the crystalline altered to amorphous phase. DTA thermal analysis showed a decrease in the melting point of the solid dispersion compared to intact efavirenz. SEM results indicated the changes in the morphology of the crystal into an amorphous form compared to pure components. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis showed a shift wavenumber of the spectrum efavirenz and PVP K-30. The solubility of solid dispersion at ratio 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 was 6.777 μg/mL, 6.936 μg/mL, and 14,672 μg/mL, respectively, whereas the solubility of intact efavirenz was 0.250 μg/mL. In conclusion, the solubility of solid dispersion increased significantly (P < 0.05).

Piperine, the main bioactive compound found in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This compound has remarkable potential pharmacological properties, including being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective. Recent studies have reported piperine activity as an antiviral against SARS-CoV-2, which caused COVID-19. Nevertheless, the clinical use of piperine is still limited, due to its poor water solubility and bioavailability; therefore, various approaches have been developed in order to solve these limitations. This review summarises recent studies (i.e. uploaded to electronic databases in the last 10 y) regarding strategies that have been investigated to improve piperine’s solubility and pharmacokinetic properties, using ‘piperine’, ‘solubility’, ‘bioavailability’, and ‘formulation’ as keywords. Articles that have focused on piperine as the main compound were selected and sorted based on their modification and formulation types. Studies reported various approaches: from derivatives and analogue synthesis, crystal engineering, complexation, particle size reduction (micro-and nanonisation), and lipid-and polymer-based drug delivery systems, to inorganic and hybrid nanoparticles. This review also highlights limitations and challenges for these approaches and encourages further studies to optimise piperine’s potential benefits.

Oriental Journal of Chemistry is a peer reviewed quarterly research journal of pure and applied chemistry. It publishes standard research papers in almost all thrust areas of current chemistry of academic and commercial importance. It provides a platform for rapid publication of quality research papers, reviews and chemistry letters. Oriental Journal of Chemistry is abstracted and indexed in almost all reputed National and International agencies.

Oriental Journal of Chemistry is a peer reviewed quarterly research journal of pure and applied chemistry. It publishes standard research papers in almost all thrust areas of current chemistry of academic and commercial importance. It provides a platform for rapid publication of quality research papers, reviews and chemistry letters. Oriental Journal of Chemistry is abstracted and indexed in almost all reputed National and International agencies.