FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYTOSOME OF MEDICINAL PLANT FAGONIA ARABICA
Shivam Gupta, Reena Shende, Satkar Prasad, Prashant Maithil
ABSTRACT
The present study focuses on the extraction, phytochemical screening, and formulation of phytosomes using the hydroalcoholic extract of Fagonia arabica, a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological activities. The extract was obtained by maceration using a hydroalcoholic solvent system, yielding 8.50% w/w. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, tannins, and saponins, which are primarily responsible for the plant’s therapeutic effects. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated to be 0.524 mg/100 mg and 0.860 mg/100 mg of dried extract, respectively. Phytosomes were formulated using varying concentrations of phospholipids and cholesterol. Among all, formulation F11 demonstrated the most favorable characteristics, with a particle size of 210.36 ± 1.25 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 82.23 ± 0.65%. The optimized batch showed a sustained drug release profile with 98.12% cumulative release over 12 hours. Drug release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R² = 0.9880), indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Stability studies over 3 months indicated no significant change in particle size or entrapment, confirming the stability of the formulation. This study concludes that phytosome-based delivery of Fagonia arabica extract enhances its potential as an effective phytopharmaceutical agent by improving its bioavailability and stability.
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