Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Elsholtzia splendens Extract-Loaded Nanoparticles

Elsholtzia splendens extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and loading efficiency. As the initial concentration of E splendens extract was increased, the loading efficiency and zeta potential significantly increased, whereas the entrapment efficiency and particle size significantly decreased. The optimum concentration of E splendens extract for maximum loading efficiency was found to be 0.8 mg/mL. Both free E splendens extract and E. splendens extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. However, the lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity of E. splendens extract was effectively enhanced when it was entrapped within chitosan nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticle encapsulation is therefore a potentially valuable technique for improving the antioxidant activity of E splendens extract.