Characterization, Cytotoxicity and Anti-oxidant Studies of Phytoniosome Loaded with Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Tinospora Cordifolia

BACKGROUND: From time immemorial herbal preparations are been employed for the treatment of several ailments. In recent years due to poor bioavailability the conventional herbal preparations are replaced by phytoniosomes, an advanced novel drug delivery system in which the herbal extracts are incorporated into a non-ionic surfactant to yield higher absorption and remarkable desired pharmacological activity. The present study is aimed to prepare and characterize the ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia (nELETC) loaded phytoniosome and to compare its antioxidant properties with ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia (ELETC). METHODS: The ethanolic leaf extract and ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia loaded phytoniosome (ELETC and nELETC) were prepared. The characterization of the prepared phytoniosomes were performed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, DLS and zeta potential. The nontoxic nature of the prepared phytoniosomes was analyzed using MTT assay in vero cell line. The antioxidant potential of ELETC and nELETC were compared by the scavenging activity of DPPH, Hydrogen peroxide and Superoxide radicals. RESULTS: The formation of ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia loaded phytoniosome (nELETC) was confirmed with UV-Vis spectroscopy. The SEM and TEM images confirmed the spherical shape of the nELETC with average size ranging from 600 to 1800 nm. The zeta potential showed magnitude of −65.55 to −77.83 mV and its crystalline structure was confirmed by XRD analysis. Through the FTIR spectrum presence of alcohols, alkanes, phenols, esters, aliphatic and aromatic compounds as well as alkenes and carbolic acids were identified. MTT assay establishes the non-toxic nature of the synthesized nELETC and excellent antioxidant potential was observed for nELETC than ELETC. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia loaded phytoniosome (nELETC) will serve as a promising drug carrier in scavenging the free radicals and can be used in various biological applications.