ABSTRACT:
Background: Shorea robusta a revered tree in Ayurveda, is rich in polyphenolic compounds like resveratrol analogues and phenolic acids, known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic potential of its crude extract is limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and chemical instability.
Methods: SRE-HNPs were prepared using the anti-solvent precipitation-sonication technique, optimizing critical process parameters like drug-to-polymer ratio (Eudragit L100), sonication time, and amplitude. The formulated HNPs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and drug loading (DL%) using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Morphology was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro drug release profile was studied in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The pharmacological evaluation included in-vitro antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP) and anti-inflammatory (albumin denaturation, COX-2 inhibition) assays method.
Results: The optimized SRE-HNPs exhibited a nano-size range of 125.4 ± 4.2 nm, a low PDI of 0.18, a zeta potential of -32.1 ± 1.5 mV, and a high EE% of 88.5 ± 2.1%. SEM images confirmed spherical and smooth nanoparticles. The in-vitro release study demonstrated a sustained and pH-dependent release profile over 24 hours. SRE-HNPs showed significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro compared to the free extract.
Conclusion: The successful development of SRE-HNPs presents a promising nanocarrier system that significantly improves the solubility, sustained release, and pharmacological potency of S. robusta extract, validating its potential as a superior therapeutic agent for managing oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders.
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