<![CDATA[Ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) is a bioactive compound from Kaempferia galanga rhizome with potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities as a new drug candidate. However, the low solubility of EPMC (128.1 mg/L) classified as BCS class II limits its dissolution rate and bioavailability. This study aimed to increase the dissolution rate of EPMC through cocrystal formation with tartaric acid, and to determine the optimal coformer ratio and pH condition that provides the greatest dissolution enhancement. EPMC-tartaric acid cocrystals were prepared using solvent drop grinding method with stoichiometric ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. Particulate dissolution testing was performed using type II dissolution apparatus in three buffer media (HCl pH 1.2; acetate pH 4.5; phosphate pH 6.8) at 37±0.5°C for 60 minutes (n=3). Cocrystal ratio 1:3 in HCl medium pH 1.2 provided the best result with dissolution enhancement up to 8.5-fold compared to pure EPMC (p<0.05). Significant improvements also occurred in all tested pH media. Cocrystallization with tartaric acid successfully increased EPMS dissolution significantly at all pH conditions, with potential to enhance oral bioavailability of EPMC as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.]]>
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