DOI: 10.1177/1934578x261441708 ISSN: 1934-578X
Self-Nanoemulsifying Systems Containing
Passiflora incarnata
L. Extract: Development and Characterization
Inês Norte, Helton Santos, Artur Figueirinha, Maria Teresa Batista, Maria Eugénia Pina
Background
The aerial parts of
Passiflora incarnata
L. contain at least 1.5% total flavonoids with pharmacological activity. These compounds, acting synergistically with plant alkaloids, contribute to central nervous system (CNS) modulation and sedative effects. However, the oral delivery of
Passiflora incarnata
L. extracts is limited by their poor solubility and bioavailability. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are known to enhance dissolution and absorption of poorly soluble drugs, including herbal extracts.
Objective
This study aimed to develop and characterize a SNEDDS containing
Passiflora incarnata
L. dry ethanolic extract to enhance its solubility, dispersion performance, and suitability for oral administration.
Methods
A series of formulations containing
Passiflora incarnata
L. dry ethanolic extract were prepared with varying combinations of oils, surfactants, co-solvents, and stabilizing agents. The formulations were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, particle size, polydispersity index, emulsification time, viscosity, density, disintegration time, and flavonoid content.
Results
The selected formulation contained Labrafac CC (25.29%), polysorbate 80 (32.88%), Plurol Oleique CC 497 (13.38%), absolute ethanol (8.00%), propylene glycol (2.00%), Aerosil (1.50%), and
Passiflora incarnata
L. dry extract (16.95%). This composition produced a stable SNEDDS with desirable physicochemical characteristics and enhanced dissolution due to efficient disintegration.
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that SNEDDS technology represents a promising oral delivery strategy for
Passiflora incarnata
L. extracts, with potential applications in the development of standardized phytopharmaceutical formulations.