Background:
Naringenin (NRG) has many health benefits including; anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory,
antitumor, and anticancer activity as well as improvement of lipid metabolism. However, its use is limited due to its low
solubility and bioavailability.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was the preparation and optimization of NRG loaded novel lipid nanocapsules
(LNCs) for improvement of NRG solubility and gut permeability.
Methods:
Studied variables included; Solutol® HS15 and NRG concentration and the ratio of cold diluent water to primary
emulsion. The storage stability of the LNCs was evaluated for 32 days and the thermal studies were done by differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC). The antioxidant properties of the NRG in LNCs were studied by measuring the 2,2-
Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. The enhancement of permeation of NRG by the
LNCs from the intestine was evaluated by non-everted gut sac method.
Results:
The optimized NRG-LNCs had a hydrodynamic diameter of 29.41±1.25 nm, low polydispersity index, and high
entrapment efficiency of 99.25±2.31%. The LNCs could retain NRG radical scavenging activity, showed good storage
stability, and significantly improved NRG solubility (69 fold) and permeation through non-everted rat intestinal sac (4.33
fold).
Conclusion:
LNCs of NGR enhance solubility and intestinal permeability of this flavonoid and may be useful in
improvement of its bioavailability.
