Formulation Development, Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Eclipta alba Phytosomes

Abstract

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk, a medicinal herb widely recognized for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study was focused on the development of Eclipta alba phytosomes a novel phospholipid-based drug delivery system designed to enhance the solubility, absorption, and bioefficacy of plant-derived therapeutics. E. alba extract was complexed with soy lecithin using a solvent evaporation technique to synthesize phytosomes. The physicochemical characterization of the formulated phytosomes revealed a mean particle size of approximately 150 nm, a zeta potential of -30 mV, indicating excellent colloidal stability, and an encapsulation efficiency of 85%. The therapeutic efficacy of the phytosomal formulation was assessed through in vitro and in vivo pharmacological evaluations. Antioxidant activity, determined via DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, demonstrated enhanced potency, with IC50 values of 12.5 μg/mL and 15 μg/mL, respectively, compared to the free extract (IC50 = 25 μg/mL). Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed significant anticancer potential, highlighting the improved pharmacological performance of the phytosomal formulation. These findings underscore the potential of Eclipta alba phytosomes as a promising approach to augment the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived bioactives, paving the way for their effective clinical application.