Essential oil and its nanoemulsion of Eucalyptus cladocalyx: chemical characterization, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities

ABSTRACT

Formulating a nanoemulsion (NE) of essential oil (EO) could enhance its efficiency while requiring lower concentrations. Eucalyptus cladocalyx F. Muell EO was rich in monoterpenes hydrocarbons. NE was prepared and the effect of surfactant (Tween 20, 40 and 80) and shearing time were investigated. The results showed that the best NE was formed using Tween 80 after 25 min of emulsification. Small droplet size (40 nm), low polydispersity index PDI (0.49), and stable zeta potential highlighted the excellent NE stability which was tested under storage conditions for 4 months. The results showed that the antioxidant and anticancer activities of NE were enhanced compared to free EO. Furthermore, NE and EO exhibited high anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factors alpha (TNF-α) production in liposaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, a stable Eucalyptus cladocalyx-NE was produced, with improved biological activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Eucalyptus cladocalyx
• essential oil
• nanoemulsion
• stability
• biological activities

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (LR 15 CBBC06).

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Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.