Ibuprofen is a propionic acid class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs simply called NSAIDs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. It is used in the management of a wide range of different pains such as muscular pain and rheumatic pain [
1]. Also, ibuprofen is one the leading NSAIDs used in certain illnesses like headaches, cold, backache, dysmenorrheoa, migraine neuralgia, arthritis, fever and other flu symptoms [
2]. Recent research has shown that NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and others have a potential effect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease [
3]. The wound healing properties of ibuprofen and its side effects, as well as its efficacy have been extensively investigated [
4,
5]. It undergoes rapid bio-transformation with a serum half-life of about 1.5 to 2 h thus leading to a short duration of action. Like other NSAIDs, it causes gastric irritation which in most cases, led to gastrointestinal damage [
6]. In order to overcome this limitation, ibuprofen-loaded lipid microspheres were considered to improve solubility and mucosa absorption for maximum biodistribution and bioavailability into the systemic circulation while offering reduced inflammation and gastric irritation. Lipid microspheres, also known as lipospheres, are regarded as drug carrier systems consisting of water and lipids dispersions to form a solid-based system with a particle size range of 0.01 to 100 μm. They possess a hydrophobic lipid core stabilized by layers of phospholipid molecules around their surface. The active drugs are usually dispersed in the lipid matrix which form the internal core to enhance solubility [
7], and subsequently increase plasma concentration thus improving bioavailability. Lipid-based systems are widely used in drug delivery. They enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic index of many compounds, especially poorly water-soluble drugs. They are a commercially viable approach in formulating pharmaceutical dosage forms for different routes of administration such as parenteral, oral or topical delivery [
8]. Solid lipid lipospheres have earlier been investigated as a system for oral drug delivery of insulin using a methacrylic acid-based microparticulate hydrogel formulation [
9]. Similarly, previous researchers have reported the delivery of ibuprofen using synthetic lipid materials [
10].
Irvingia wombolu (Irvingiaceae) is a tropical African tree that grows in local settings across West and Central Africa and is used extensively as fruit and a thickener in food preparations [
11].
Irvingia wombolu fat is a natural fat extracted from the kernel seeds of
Irvingia wombolu which has been used in cosmetics and also, as a potential lipid carrier in drug delivery [
12]. Moringa oil on the other hand, is also a natural oil extracted from the
Moringa oleifera Linn. (Moringaceae) plant spread across the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe, especially the India subcontinent where it is mostly used in diet for its medicinal value [
13]. The moringa seed is reported to contain up to 47% oil which is rich in oleic acids and other monounsaturated fatty acids [
14]. The substitution of synthetic lipids with natural product materials such as
Irvingia wombolu fat and moringa oil as co-lipids is an alternative worth exploring to reduce the toxicities or incompatibilities that may be associated with synthetic materials.
Solid lipid particles combine several advantages and avoid the disadvantages of other colloidal carriers. They provide a condition for drug targeting and controlled drug release and also, protect the loaded active compounds against enzymatic or chemical degradation and gastric irritation [
15]. The solid matrix is made up of physiologically compatible lipids which allow hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs to be incorporated and form a vesicular core [
16,
17]. These lipid-based particulate drug carriers exist as nano-carriers, microparticulate and colloidal carriers [
18]. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) today, have been considered for delivery in nano- or micro-sized particles for solubility enhancement and gastroprotection using lipid matrixes to reduce /prevent a rise in gastric intestinal tract (GIT) disorders such as ulcerative lesions, colitis and colon polyps which may be aggravated by the direct contact of these agents with the lining tissues of the GIT [
19]. This research seeks to optimize the delivery of ibuprofen to enhance solubility, biodistribution and bioavailability with natural based lipid carrier systems for patient compliance and limited GIT mucosal cell injury. Ibuprofen was formulated into lyophilized and reconstitutable parenteral powder as ibuprofen solid lipid microspheres (Ib-SLMs). The consideration of dry
micro and
nano crystalline powder formulation of these poorly water-soluble drugs, has over the years proven to be more efficient in systemic drug delivery and bioavailability for a quicker onset of action [
20‐
22].