Development and Characterization of Phytosomes of Some Herbal Extracts

Abstract

The aim of present study was to develop and characterise phytosomes of some herbal extracts to improve the solubility of its phytoconstituents. The poor solubility and dissolution rate of the phytoconstituents present in herbal extracts limit its oral absorption and bioavailability. The Standardised extracts of Citrus Limon (SCE), Picrorrhiza Kurroa (SPE) and Boerrhavia Diffusa (SBE) were used for development of phytosomes by solvent evaporation technique. The experimental design was generated with central composite design-response surface methodology using computerized optimization software Minitab 17. The optimized phytosomes were characterized by various parameters like solubility studies, particle size determination, infrared absorption (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), entrapment efficiency and in vitro antioxidant activity. The phytosomes were evaluated for their in vivo hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in albino rats. Levels of marker enzymes SGOT, SGPT and ALP were assessed in serum. newlineSEM and XRD reveal the reduction in crystallinity of extract in the phytosome. FTIR and DSC confirm the formation of phyto-phospholipid complex. The apparent solubility and in vitro dissolution studies indicated a significant improvement in the solubility and the drug release of SCE, SPE and SBE from phytosomes. It has been observed that the complex formed an effective scavenger of DPPH radicals and hydrogen peroxide. The in vitro evaluation revealed a significantly higher antioxidant activity of the prepared phytosomes compared to standardized extracts. Better hepatoprotection and antioxidant activity with phytosomes were achieved when compared to standardized extracts and standard silymarin in hepatotoxic models. The improved in vivo function of phytosomes was also ascertained by histopathology reports in the tested hepatotoxic models. The stability studies of all the three phytosomes revealed that there were no signific