Abstract: | Brucine has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and is the main active compound of the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L. To study brucine niosomal gels, a reliable and rapid LC-MS/MS method was established to quantify brucine levels in rats. Tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics of brucine were investigated after topical and oral application of brucine niosomal gels to rats. The plasma concentration versus time profiles suggested that systemic exposure of brucine for oral administration of brucine niosomal gels was higher than that for topical administration, and topical administration showed a relatively sustained release. There was a considerable amount of brucine distributed in the knee joint. These results provided a strong basis for the follow-up study of this preparation. |