Micronization of Thebaine extracted from Papaver bracteatum Lindl. using Supercritical fluid technology

Thebaine as a main opiate alkaloid extracted from papaveraceae plants is widely used in the synthesis of many pharmaceutical ingredients like buprenorphine, naltrexone, naloxone, and hydrocodone. Unfortunately, thebaine and related derivatives are often insoluble in aqueous media and have low bioavailability in digestive system. Reducing particle size and changing morphology can decline the mentioned problem. In this study, micronization of Papaver bracteatum L. extract components have been performed using an inhouse developed supercritical technique. Characterization of nanoparticles was done using FESEM and Image J software. Analysis of resulted images illustrated that nanoparticles of extract components with particle size distribution of ۵ to ۱۰۰ nm were collected successfully. In presented research, an effective and feasible method was performed for preparation of alkaloids nanoparticles. This process led to increasing of solubility and improve the oral bioavailability of alkaloids.