Development of novel drug delivery systems for oriental medicines

Oriental medicine has been widely used across the East Asian countries. Hyeonggaeyeongyotang (aqueous extract of various herbs) is commonly used in Korea for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It is usually given as a liquid dosage form packaged in a pouch. The extreme bitterness and inconveniences related to large dose volume reduce patient compliance. The present study investigated the conversion of an unpalatable liquid dosage form into novel drug delivery systems, which could improve the acceptability in terms of ease of administration, comparable bioavailability and superior taste.