Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery system comprising nanoparticles or microparticles of a water poorly soluble drug dispersed in a polymeric bead containing essentially only of hydrophilic polymers (i.e. without hydrophobic polymers). The present invention further provides a method of producing the drug delivery system of the invention.

Abstract: A microencapsulated composition containing lipophilic compounds is prepared by reducing the particle size of the lipophilic compound in the presence of a surface active agent to form a first solution; preparing a solution of alkali metal alginate to form a second solution; combining the first and second solutions to form a third solution; adding the third solution dropwise to a fourth solution containing calcium ion, obtaining beadlets, and removing the formed beadlets from the fourth solution; rinsing the beadlets with an acidic solution and drying the beadlets; and coating the beadlets to obtain microcapsules.

Abstract: A controlled-release dosage form is described, which comprises a matrix formed of ingredients (a) and (b): (a) gellan gum, and (b) one or more hydrophilic polymers; and further comprising a drug incorporated within said matrix. The invention also describes a method for the preparation of said controlled-release dosage forms.

Abstract: There is provided an orally-administrable formulation for the controlled release or stable storage of a granulated isoflavone-enriched fraction or mixture of such fractions, comprising at least one granulated isoflavone-enriched fraction and at least one carrier, diluent or excipient therefor. Preferably, the formulation is characterized in that the total in vitro dissolution time of said formulation required for release of 75% of the active ingredients available from the formulation is between about 4 and about 18 hours, as determined by the U.S.P. XXIII paddle method at a paddle speed of 75 rpm, using simulated intestinal fluid without the digestive enzymes normally found in intestinal fluid, at pH 6.8, and a temperature of 37° C. A process for the preparation of such a formulation is also provided.

Abstract: A microencapsulated composition containing lipophilic compounds is prepared by reducing the particle size of the lipophilic compound in the presence of a surface active agent to form a first solution; preparing a solution of alkali metal alginate to form a second solution; combining the first and second solutions to form a third solution; adding the third solution dropwise to a fourth solution containing calcium ion, obtaining beadlets, and removing the formed beadlets from the fourth solution; rinsing the beadlets with an acidic solution and drying the beadlets; and coating the beadlets to obtain microcapsules.

Abstract: There is provided an orally-administrable formulation for the controlled release or stable storage of a granulated herb, comprising a granulated herb and at least one carrier, adjuvant or excipient therefor. Preferably, the formulation is characterized in that the total in vitro dissolution time of said formulation required for release of 75% of the active ingredients available from the formulation is between about 4 and about 18 hours, as determined by the U.S.P. XXIII paddle method at a paddle speed of 150 rpm, using simulated intestinal fluid without the digestive enzymes normally found in intestinal fluid, containing 0.1% w/w sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), at pH 6.8, and a temperature of 37° C. A process for the preparation of such formulation is also provided.

Abstract: There are provided orally-administrable formulations for the controlled release of granulated garlic, comprising particles of granulated garlic coated with a film comprising a mixture of at least one water soluble polymer and at least one water insoluble polymer, said at least one water soluble polymer and at least one water insoluble polymer being present in a ratio that produces a substantially zero order linear release pattern of at least one active ingredient. Preferably, the formulations are characterized in that the total in vitro dissolution time of said formulations required for release of 75% of the Allicin available from said formulations based upon the total amount of alliin initially present in said formulations is between about 4 and about 12 hours, as determined by U.S.P. XXIII paddle method at a paddle speed of 150 rpm, using simulated intestinal fluid without the digestive enzymes normally found in intestinal fluid, containing 0.1% w/w sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), at pH 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlled/extended release oral dosage forms of chromium picolinate. Chromium picolinate is a common and effective biologically active form of chromium. As such, it has beneficial nutritional and therapeutic effects including improved insulin metabolism and lipid lowering activity.The controlled dosage form of the present invention can be provided in various ways, including matrix formulations such as matrix tablets or multiparticulate formulations like micro capsules or coated pellets put into hard gelatin capsules. This provides effective drug delivery for extended periods of time, at relatively stable, optimal plasma peak values, with minimal undesirable side effects.The invention provides effective controlled/extended release oral dosage formulations of chromium picolinate and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: Very small particles of flavoring materials which are labile when subjected to both heat and an aqueous medium are coated with a coating material containing hydrogenated castor oil and having a melting point of from about 80.degree. to about 100.degree. C. The coating layer remains stable during the first minutes of the baking process, when the concentration of water in the dough or batter is relatively high. After several minutes, when most of the water in the dough or batter has evaporated and the temperature increases to about 100.degree. C., the coating layer or layers melt away. Within a few minutes thereafter, the active ingredient is exposed within the product. Alternatively, a leavening agent may be used wihtin the capsule which will release a gas at the predetermined temperature and cause rupture of the microencapsulation.

Abstract: Any orally administrable medicament is prepared into a dosage form which eliminates the unpleasant taste and mouth feel of the medicament and is easily and pleasantly ingested even by children, by microencapsulating the medicament into microcapsules of less than 300 microns diameter, and embedding the microcapsules into a soft, sweet, palatable matrix, such as chocolate.