Fuente: PubMed "propolis" Ther Deliv. 2026 Mar 5:1-8. doi: 10.1080/20415990.2026.2639950. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAIM: This study aimed to improve the aqueous solubility of stingless bee propolis, which is limited by its lipophilic nature, by developing solid dispersions with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) as a hydrophilic carrier and to identify the optimal formulation ratio to enhance the solubility of its bioactive constituents.METHODS: Propolis solid dispersions (PSDs) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method at propolis extract to PVP K30 ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5. The solubility of the key bioactive compounds, gamma-mangostin and alpha-mangostin, was quantified using HPLC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were employed to elucidate molecular interactions and crystallinity changes within the formulations.RESULTS: The optimized PSD (1:3) significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced the aqueous solubility of gamma-mangostin and alpha-mangostin by 1.3- and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared with the unmodified extract. FT-IR spectra revealed hydrogen bonding between PVP carbonyl groups and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the extract, while XRD confirmed the amorphous transformation of the propolis within the polymeric matrix.CONCLUSION: PVP K30-mediated solid dispersion transformed crystalline propolis extract into an amorphous form, effectively enhancing mangostin solubility and dissolution behavior, offering a promising strategy to improve the pharmaceutical applicability and formulation potential of stingless bee propolis.PMID:41787794 | DOI:10.1080/20415990.2026.2639950