Tinctures or oily solutions

Tinctures, as oily solutions, are an ancient mode of preparation of plant extracts, but are still very actual and attractive, especially for cannabinoid formulations. With a straightforward development, they can easily be developed. They are also very convenient for the patients who can take a few drops sevral times a day very easily.

Gattefossé range of excipients for tinctures consist of oils and water dispersible surfactants. Discover their advantages in pharmaceutical tinctures. All these excipients show exceptional solubility of highly lipophilic drugs and are suitable for tincture formulations. The difference will rely on how it will contribute to the bioavailability and taste of the formulation.

Here are some clues to help you choose the right excipient for your tincture!

Oily vehicles

Maisine^® CC is derived from corn oil and has its good taste. It naturally contains antioxidants contributing to greater stability of the excipient and the formulation. It contains long chain unsaturated fatty acids, in favor of lymphatic uptake for higher and consistent bioavailability. It is the first choice oily vehicle to solubilize highly lipophilic drugs.

Peceol™ is obtained by direct esterification between glycerol and oelic acid. With a high content in long chain unsaturated fatty acids it is also in favor of lymphatic uptake. An interesting second choice –)

Labrafac™ lipophile WL 1349 is our third choice oily vehicle as it is derived from short chain fatty acids and is more in favor of portal uptake.

Water dispersible surfactants

Due to their composition they enable instant emulsification of the formulation upon contact with water, which is advantageous for example if drops are taken with a glass of water.

Both Labrafil^® M 1944 CS and Labrafil^® M 2125 CS contains long chain fatty acids in favor of lymphatic transport, the former being derived from apricot kernel oil and the second from corn oil. Together with a strong solubilizing capacity for both CBD abd THC, they increase oral bioavailability of these compounds.

Due to their raw material origin, both Labrafil® grades exhibit pleasant taste and contain natural tocopherol to protect tinctures from oxidation.

See the video about Labrafil® M 2125 CS – Self Emulsifying Excipient:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75kYAj_078