PHYTOSOMAL NANOCARRIER LOADED WITH EMBELIA RIBES DEVELOPMENT FOR CANCER THERAPY

Background: In this study, Embelia ribes fruit extract phospholipid complex (ERE-PC) was developed with an attempt to enhance the therapeutic effect by improving its dissolution profile and oral bioavailability. E. ribes, an ancient herb possesses anticancer, anti-fertility, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic activities. However, poor aqueous solubility of phytoconstituents of E. ribes, lowers the therapeutic effectiveness of the extract. Objective To prepare phytosomes of Embelia ribes fruit extract (ERE-PC) to improve in-vitro release profile and oral bioavailability. Method: ERE-PC were formulated by solvent evaporation technique using methanol as reaction mixture which aimed for its improved pharmacological activity. The complex formation was confirmed by FTIR, PXRD, DSC and microscopical studies. The prepared complex was evaluated for functional properties such as solubility, dissolution profile and in-vitro cytotoxic activity. Result: The data obtained from FTIR, DSC and microscopic studies confirmed the formation of phytosomal complex. Aqueous solubility of the extract significantly increased from 23.04 ± 0.0023μg/ml to 84.02 ± 0.0036μg/ml in ERE-PC. Particle size and zeta potential of optimized phytosome was found to be 219.9 nm and -36.5mV respectively. Cumulative in-vitro release of the extract improved significantly due to the phospholipid complexation from 32.34% to 76.56%. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of ERE-PC against MCF-7 cell lines revealed potent cell growth inhibition (GI50<10μg/ml) in comparison to the extract (>80μg/ml). Conclusion: Thus, the phytosomal complex of the E. ribes fruit extract, could be a potential delivery system for improvement of bioavailability and therapeutic activity of the extract.