Inclusion complex of saikosaponin-d with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: Improved physicochemical properties and anti-skin cancer activity

Saikosaponin-d (SSD) is a triterpene saponin isolated from Bupleurum plants. It has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. However, its biomedical applications are limited by its poor water solubility. Cyclodextrins are highly water soluble oligosaccharide compounds which can form inclusion complexes with lipophilic drugs. We complexed SSD with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) in various ratios to...