Phytochemical investigations and development of ethosomal gel with Brassica oleraceae L. (Brassicaceae) extract: An innovative nano approach towards cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry

The study was aimed to develop and characterize plant extract (Brassica oleraceae) loaded ethosomal gel for the valuation of cosmeceutical applications with a credence that botanical extracts have a greater capability to be employed in the formulation of advanced pharmaceuticals. Phytochemical profiling via FT-IR analysis, total bioactive contents of different polarity extracts (ethanol, dichloromethane, ethyl-acetate and chloroform) and quantification by using High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) assay was carried out. Capabilities against oxidative stress were prodded through 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reduction potential analyses. Besides this, a correlation amongst total bioactive contents (TPC/TFC) and antioxidant potentials (biological activities) was studied by multi-variate statistical analysis. An augmented ethosomal preparation, after characterization and stability studies was incorporated to the gel matrix of Carbopol-940; Test/ EG (Ethosomal gel) with a Control/NEG (Non-ethosomal gel) formulation. Both formulations were then subjected to in-vitro characterization (organoleptic evaluation, pH, conductivity and rheology) of 90 days. By permeation studies flux (mu g/cm2/hr); enhancement ratio was calculated and characterization of release data was done by using different kinetic models. The plant extracts revealed the presence of different functional groups along with 39.6 +/- 0.5 mgGAE/g; 26.56 +/- 0.4 mgQE/g phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively; HPLC assay confirmed the existence of Quercetin, Gallic, Caffiec, Benzoic, Syringic and Sinapic Acids with highest antioxidant activity of 87.75% +/- 1.18 in hydro-alcoholic fraction. Optimized ethosomal formulation exhibited entrapment efficiency of 68.57 +/- 1.25, smallest vesicle size of 228.6 +/- 1.17 nm with - 21.3 +/- 0.15, zeta potential and a homogeneous size distribution of 0.233 +/- 0.02. Significant results were obtained after in-vitro characterization. Both formulations followed Korsmeyer-peppas model with flux 35.499 and 21.731 mu g/cm2/hr respectively and enhancement ratio 1.63. Thus, a stable ethosomal loaded gel of Brassica oleraceae extract was successfully developed and characterized for cosmeceutical potential.

Automated summary

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a plant extract-loaded ethanol gel for potential cosmeceutical applications. The results showed that the plant extract exhibited antioxidant activity against oxidative stress. The optimized ethanol gel showed good stability and release properties.