Title:One-Step Preparation of Luteolin Nanoemulsion and Evaluation of its
Anti-inflammatory Effect in Animal Models
Volume: 20
Issue: 3
Author(s): Somayyeh Karami-Mohajeri, Narges Hashemi, Mehdi Ranjbar*, Mohammad Mohajeri and Fariba Sharififar*
Affiliation:
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman,
Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Herbal and Traditional
Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Keywords:
Luteolin, anti-inflammatory effect, nanoemulsion, formalin test, whilttle method, characterization.
Abstract:
Background: Nanoemulsions are promising drug delivery systems for topical application
owing to the high transdermal penetration.
Objective: Due to the side effects of existing anti-inflammatory drugs, much attention has been paid to
natural products such as flavonoids. The aim of this work was to formulate luteolin nanoemulsion
(LNE) and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect.
Methods: LNE was prepared using the low-energy spontaneous emulsion method and characterized
by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and dynamic
light scattering (DLS). The anti-inflammatory effect of LNE was assessed in formalin and acetic
acid-induced inflammation methods (Whittle test). Treatment with LNE (i.p, 4 consecutive days,
40 mg/kg) was compared with diclofenac 25 mg/kg and normal saline. In the formalin test, data were
recorded at 1, 2 and 4 hours after formalin injection and in the Wittle test, the extent of Evans blue
leakage in the peritoneal cavity was considered as vascular permeability.
Results: Formalin-induced edema decreased in the LNE group, but this reduction was not significant
(p > 0.05), however, in Whittle test, both LNE and diclofenac significantly reduced Evans blue leakage
compared with the group treated with acetic acid alone (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Our results confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of LNE and give up a new platform for
the design and development of bio-based carriers for more successful drug delivery.
