Aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus L. loaded alginate nanoparticles

Abstract

Low solubility and degradation under unfavorable conditions limit the bioactivities of herbal extracts. This study aimed to characterize the aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus L. (Family: Apocynaceae) encapsulated alginate nanoformulation (CEA) and assess α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Aqueous extract of C. roseus was prepared using ultrasonication followed by refluxing. Nanoformulation was done using the ionic gelation method. Extract concentration was optimized via encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), particle size analysis and zeta potential analysis. The α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory potential of free extract and CEA were evaluated. The optimum concentration for encapsulation was selected as 1 mg/ml with the highest EE of 62.0 ± 1.5% and LC of 1.1%. Microscopic examination showed the lowest particle size of 158.2 nm and acceptable zeta potential of (-) 22.00 mV at 1 mg/ml.