Design and Optimization of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Oral Administration of Urtica dioica with In-Vivo Antidiabetic Evaluation
Bhawna Sharma, Anil Ahuja, Alok Pratap Singh, Amit Kumar SharmaIntroduction:
Urtica dioica (UD), a plant-derived antidiabetic compound, faces major challenges in oral delivery due to poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have attracted attention as a means to overcome these barriers by improving solubility, enhancing stability, and enabling sustained release. This study aimed to formulate UDloaded NLCs and evaluate the effect of formulation variables on physicochemical properties and drug release behavior.
Method:
UD-NLCs were prepared via the melt-emulsion ultrafiltration method, with systematic variation of solid-to-liquid lipid ratios and surfactant concentrations. Physicochemical characterization, in vitro release studies, and in vivo antidiabetic activity were performed to evaluate the efficacy of UD-NLCs.
Result:
The formulations exhibited particle sizes ranging from 65.93 ± 111 to 192.3 ± 58.06 nm with zeta potentials between –2.34 ± 5.70 and –15.4 ± 5.17 mV, indicating favorable stability and reduced aggregation risk. The highest encapsulation efficiency was achieved at the lowest lipid ratio and surfactant concentration, underscoring the delicate balance between formulation parameters. This dual pattern is particularly advantageous for diabetes management, enabling rapid therapeutic onset alongside prolonged glycemic control. The optimised formulation followed Higuchi diffusion kinetics, suggesting a diffusion-driven release mechanism through the lipid matrix.
Discussion:
These findings emphasize the potential of NLCs as an advanced oral delivery platform for UD. The nanoscale size and negative surface charge may enhance gastrointestinal uptake while addressing solubility and permeability challenges. The biphasic release profile, coupled with high encapsulation efficiency, supports the therapeutic relevance of this system. Nevertheless, while in vitro data demonstrate promise, in vivo studies are essential to confirm pharmacokinetic improvements, efficacy, and long-term safety
Conclusion:
UD-loaded NLCs represent a promising approach for enhancing oral delivery of phytoconstituents, with potential to advance UD as a novel antidiabetic therapy.