Preparation and Characterization of Rutin-loaded Nanophytosomes

Plant-derived materials are increasingly gaining attention as dietary supplements and due to their role in medicinal application. Rutin, a phenolic antioxidant, is a member of bioflavonoids which has been demonstrated to scavenge superoxide radicals and is believed to be a vital nourishing supplement due to its ability to strengthen and modulation of the permeability of the blood vessels walls. However, Rutin shows poor absorption when administered orally and its bioavailability is an important restrictive factor. The present study was aimed to prepare and characterize a stable Rutin-loaded nanophytosomal formulation to improve its antioxidant property and bioavailability. Rutin-loaded nanophytosomes were prepared by phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol by thin layer hydration method. The physicochemical properties of prepared nanophytosomes were evaluated using particle size analyses, Furrier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Stability of the prepared nanophytosomes was also investigated during three weeks of storage period. Results showed that formulation with the Rutin: PC molar ratio of 1:2 possess lowest particle size and the incorporation of cholesterol improved the physical stability of nanophytosome for over three weeks. FTIR and DSC analysis showed the formation of Rutin-phospholipid complex during the formulation development process. Results of the present study showed that nanophytosome can be introduced as a useful carrier for fortifying herbal medicinal compounds for application the formulation of various food and pharmaceutical products.