Gelatinous Capsules of β-Lapachone for Anti-cancer Therapies

"Gelatinous Capsules of beta-Lapachone for Anti-cancer Therapies". beta-lapachone is a natural ortonaftoquinona of ipe purple growing mainly in Brazil, also obtained by the process of semi-synthesis of its isomer lapachol. It is a simple plant product that has demonstrated excellent potential in antineoplastic studies in albino rats, mice and cell cultures. Works by a particular mechanism of apoptosis against various types of cancer, especially some strains of prostate refractory to conventional treatments. It has low solubility in water, the development of a pharmaceutical form the basis of beta-lapachone providing favorable bioavailability is a key point for the continuity of research with this asset. Hard gelatine capsules containing 250 mg of beta-lapachone and soft gelatine capsules containing 30 mg beta-lapachone were developed. Due to the crystalline form and character of lipophilic beta-lapachone, the hard gelatin capsules did not show acceptable levels of dissolution, however, the soft gelatinous capsules showed satisfactory results for continuation of studies in this active.