Formulation and In vitro Evaluation of Holoptelea integrifolia Planch. Extract Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Abstract

The prevalence of fungal infections has increased substantially in recent years, and their treatment remains a challenge. Holoptelea integrifolia Planch. has been used as traditional medicine for its antifungal properties due to the presence of friedelin as an important phytoconstituent, and solid lipid nanoparticles act as nano drug delivery systems to enhance its concentration at the site of action. We aimed to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with Holoptelea integrifolia extract to enhance their effectiveness in treating fungal infections. The SLNs were prepared using the hot homogenization method followed by ultrasonication and further characterized for their surface morphology, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. The results showed that the optimized SLN2 batch had a spherical shape with an entrapment efficiency of 69.9±1.9%. The average particle size of SLNs was found to be 218±6 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.46±0.1. The zeta potential of the SLNs was-23.6 mV, indicating good stability. The in vitro release study revealed sustained drug release over 24 hours. The in vitro antifungal activity of the SLNs was evaluated against Candida albicans using the agar diffusion method. The antifungal activity of the SLNs was significantly higher than that of the free extract, as demonstrated by larger zones of inhibition against C. albicans. The results of this study suggest that SLNs loaded with H. integrifolia extract have the potential to be used as an effective treatment for fungal infections.