Nanoencapsulation of Garcinia cowa leaf extract and its biological activities for potential use in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products

The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize nanoemulsion-loaded Garcinia cowa leaf extract (GC) for use as pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products. The GC nanoemulsions were prepared by ultrasonication method. Properties of the GC nanoemulsions were investigated, including morphology, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, thermal properties, and stability. In addition, encapsulation efficiency, release study, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and indirect cytotoxicity were investigated. The results showed that the particle size of GC nanoemulsions ranged between 66 and 71 nm, PDI ranged between 0.17 and 0.28, and zeta potential ranged between - 17 and - 10 mV. The cumulative released profiles of GC from GC1, GC2, and GC3 nanoemulsions showed the similar results. In addition, the GC nanoemulsions exhibited inhibition against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and showed good antioxidant activity. The GC nanoemulsions at concentrations of 0.19-0.39% v/v were non-toxic to NCTC clone 929 cells. The GC nanoemulsions could enhance GC into the cells and improve its efficiency for the drug delivery system. Thus, these GC nanoemulsions could be used in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products.