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Formulation of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: an in vitro assessment study

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Abstract

Cymbopogon citratus (DC) stapf. (Gramineae) is a herb known worldwide as lemongrass. The oil obtained, i.e., lemongrass oil has emerged as one among the most relevant natural oils in the pharmaceutical industry owing to its extensive pharmacological and therapeutic benefits including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. However, its usage in novel formulations is constrained because of its instability and volatility. To address these concerns, the present study aims to formulate lemongrass-loaded SLN (LGSLN) using hot water titration technique. In the Smix, Tween 80 was selected as a surfactant component, while ethanol was taken as a co-surfactant. Different ratios of Smix (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1 and 3:1) were utilized to formulate LG-loaded SLN. The results indicated the fact that the LGSLN formulation (abbreviated as LGSLN1), containing lipid phase 10% w/w (i.e., LG 3.33% and SA 6.67%), Tween 80 (20% w/w), ethanol (20% w/w) and distilled water (50% w/w), revealed suitable nanometric size (142.3 ± 5.96 nm) with a high zeta potential value (− 29.12 ± 1.7 mV) and a high entrapment efficiency (77.02 ± 8.12%). A rapid drug release (71.65 ± 5.33%) was observed for LGSLN1 in a time span of 24 h. Additionally, the highest values for steady-state flux (Jss; 0.6133 ± 0.0361 mg/cm2/h), permeability coefficient (Kp; 0.4573 ± 0.0141 (cm/h) × 102) and enhancement ratio (Er; 13.50) was also conferred by LGSLN1. Based on in vitro study results, the developed SLN appeared as a potential carrier for enhanced topical administration of lemongrass oil. The observed results also indicated the fact that the phyto-cosmeceutical prospective of the nanolipidic carrier for topical administration of lemongrass oil utilizing pharmaceutically acceptable components can be explored further for widespread clinical applicability.

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Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to the Taif University Researchers Supporting Project (Number TURSP-2020/124), Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, for supporting this work.

Funding

This research was funded by Taif University Research Supporting Project number ‘TURSP-2020/124.’

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia

    Abuzer Ali

  2. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia

    Amena Ali

  3. Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia

    Musarrat Husain Warsi

  4. Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, 34222, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

    Wasim Ahmad

  5. Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, 34222, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

    Mohd Amir

  6. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Al Baha University, 1988, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia

    Sayed Aliul Hasan Abdi

Authors
  1. Abuzer Ali
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  2. Amena Ali
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  3. Musarrat Husain Warsi
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  4. Wasim Ahmad
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  5. Mohd Amir
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  6. Sayed Aliul Hasan Abdi
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Contributions

The authors confirm their contribution as follows: study conception and design: AbA, and AmA; data collection and analysis: MHW, WA, MA, and SAHA; interpretation of results: WA, AbA and AmA; draft manuscript preparation: MA, AbA, and SAHA; Funding acquisition: AbA.

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Correspondence to Abuzer Ali.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by Ethics Committee, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.

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Ali, A., Ali, A., Warsi, M.H. et al. Formulation of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: an in vitro assessment study. 3 Biotech 13, 318 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-023-03726-5

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