Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics and stability of methoxyflavones derived from Kaempferia parviflora (KP) in Thai native roosters after oral administration of a KP ethanolic extract. METHOD: Twenty-seven male roosters were randomly divided into three groups and received KP extract at different doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of body weight. Plasma samples were prepared using acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, and a mixture of both to compare the optimal extraction efficiency. Plasma methoxyflavones concentrations were quantified using a validated HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using PKSolver. A seven-day stability study assessed methoxyflavones degradation in blood and plasma samples stored at -20°C. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed that methoxyflavones were rapidly absorbed, reaching maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) ranging from 0.34 to 0.83 µg/mL within 1.17 to 1.83 hours, with a clear dose-dependent relationship. Elimination was slow, with half-lives ranging from 2.03 to 2.60 hours. The study also found that acetonitrile was the most effective solvent for extracting methoxyflavones from blood samples, yielding recovery rates of 73.95%, 81.49%, and 77.5% for 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (PMF), 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF), and 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (TMF), respectively. High stability was observed in blood and plasma over two days (96.6-100%), with significant degradation (84.3-92.6%) after seven days. This study's results provide valuable insights for optimizing KP extract use as a poultry feed additive by informing appropriate dosage, extraction, and storage procedures to preserve methoxyflavones integrity.