Dj. Pillion et al., DS-1, A MODIFIED QUILLAJA SAPONIN, ENHANCES OCULAR AND NASAL ABSORPTION OF INSULIN, Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 84(11), 1995, pp. 1276-1279
The purpose of this study was to test DS-1, a modified Quillaja saponi
n, for its efficacy as an absorption enhancer. Anesthetized rats recei
ving eyedrops or nosedrops formulated with regular pork insulin in sal
ine showed no hypoglycemic response, indicating no systemic absorption
of insulin. However, rats receiving eyedrops or nosedrops formulated
with insulin plus 0.025-0.10% DS-1 showed rapid absorption of insulin
and a concomitant decrease in serum D-glucose levels. No response was
observed following sublingual or buccal delivery of insulin. In conclu
sion, the modified saponin DS-1 was efficacious at enhancing nasal or
ocular insulin delivery at extremely low concentrations. The mechanism
of DS-1 action is not yet known.