Thai Researchers Develop Nanoemulsion Based on Peristrophe Bivalvis
Thai researchers have successfully developed a stable nanoemulsion formulation based on plant extracts of Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr., with the relevant research results recently published in the journal Cosmetics. This joint study by the Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Phayao, and the Faculty of Public Health, Chulalongkorn University, marks the first exploration of this traditional medicinal plant in cosmetic nanoemulsion systems.
Peristrophe bivalvis is widely distributed in tropical regions of Asia and Africa, including China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand. The plant has traditionally been used to treat diabetes, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and hypertension. In Malaysia, it is used to treat skin diseases, and in Nigeria, it serves as a blood tonic. In Vietnam, it is also used as a natural colorant in foods such as dumplings and taro cakes.
Three Extraction Methods Show Different Properties
The research team used three different solvents to extract Peristrophe bivalvis leaves: deionized water (WE), 95% Ethanol (EE), and 50% Ethanol solution containing 1% Hydrochloric Acid (AE). The results showed that the acidic extraction method achieved the highest extraction yield at 20.23%, while the yields of Ethanol extraction and water extraction were 9.88% and 10.14%, respectively.
Phytochemical screening indicated that all extracts contained Phenolic compounds, Flavonoids, Anthocyanins, Coumarins, and Terpenoids, but Steroids and Alkaloids were only detected in Ethanol extracts.
In terms of safety, cytotoxicity assessment was conducted using human skin fibroblasts (WS-1), and the results showed that the water extract and Ethanol extract had no cytotoxicity in the concentration range of 1-100 µg/mL, while the acidic extract exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability.
Stability Evaluation Confirms Formulation Feasibility
Based on the results of bioactivity and safety assessment, the research team selected water extract and Ethanol extract to prepare water-in-oil nanoemulsions.
Stability tests revealed that the drug-loaded nanoemulsions showed no significant changes in particle size and viscosity after 21 days of storage at room temperature, with the polydispersity index (PDI) remaining below 0.3, indicating that the formula had good physical stability.
This study provides a preliminary scientific basis for the application of Peristrophe bivalvis as a natural active ingredient in cosmetics nanoemulsions. The researchers pointed out that future work needs to further determine the specific content of major bioactive components and conduct skin permeability tests to support the commercial development of this formula.
