Preparation and characterization of Tribulus terrestris-loaded nanoparticles

Abstract

<strong>Background and objectives:</strong> <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> is a flowering herb (Zygophyllaceae) with several properties in folk medicine such as diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, astringent, and stomachic-lithotripter activities. Although, some extracts and phytochemicals represent excellent bio-activity <em>in vitro</em>, less or no <em>in vivo</em> activity is observed due to their improper molecular size. The intend of this research was investigation of the feasibility of encapsulating <em>T. terrestris</em> into [poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)] PLGA nanoparticles. <strong>Methods:</strong> Aerial parts of the plant were extracted with aqueous ethanol 85% by percolation apparatus. The nanoparticles of <em>T. terrestris</em>-loaded were prepared using a modified simultaneous double-emulsion solvent evaporation/diffusion method. Elucidations were made on the basis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The content of nanoparticles was analyzed by HPLC with indirect method. <strong>Results: </strong>The results stated that increasing the portion of plant extract could cause bigger size with no considerable increase in polydispersity index (PDI). The encapsulation efficiency of <em>T. terrestris</em>-loaded nanoparticles was 40.3 to 78.5 and the drug loadings were 0.806 to 6.104, with different ratios of extract. The overall pattern of the release in SDS 1% in dialysis bag in all formulations showed similar and biphasic release kinetic, an initial burst release in the first day followed by constant release over 10 days. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: An effective approach for the preparation of <em>T. terrestris</em>-loaded PLGA nanoparticles was performed. The controlled release profile showed that these biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles had great potential and should be given particular consideration in further biological researches.