Characterization of Nigella Sativa L. Essential Oil-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles.

Problem statement: Seeds of Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black seed, have been used in traditional medicine by many Asian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern Countries to treat headache, coughs, abdominal pain, diarrhea, asthma, rheumatism and other diseases. The seeds of this plant are the most extensively studied, both phytoc hemically and pharmacologically. The aqueous and oil extracts of the seeds have been shown to posses s especially nowadays in pharmaceutical antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analges ic, antimicrobial activities and medicinal and cosmetic applications, sanitary, cosmetic, agricult ural and food industries. Approach: The aim of this study was to formulate a new delivery system for de rmal and cosmetic application by the incorporation of Nigella sativa essential oil into solid lipid nanoparticles SLN. S LN formulations were prepared following the high-pressure homogenization after st arring and ultra-trax homognization techniques using hydrogenated palm oil Softisan 154 and N. sativa essential oil as lipid matrix, sorbitol and water as surfactants. The SLN formulation particle size w as determined using Photon Correlation System (PCS). Results: The change of particle charge was studied by Zeta Potential (ZP) measurements, while the melting and re-crystallization behavior was stu died using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Data showed a high physical stability for bo th formulations at various storage temperatures during 3 months of storage. In particu lar, average diameter of N. sativa essential oil- loaded SLN did not vary during storage and increase d slightly after freeze-drying the SLN dispersions. Conclusion: Therefore, obtained results showed that the studie d SLN formulations are suitable carriers in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fi elds.