Development and Biological Evaluation of a Phytosome-Based Formulation of Phyllanthus niruri leaves for Gastroprotective Activity

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a phytosome-based formulation of Phyllanthus niruri for gastroprotective activity. P. niruri is a medicinal plant containing various phytoconstituents, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and terpenoids, which may contribute to its pharmacological properties. The ethanolic leaf extract was prepared and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The extract was complexed with phosphatidylcholine to develop the phytosome formulation. Physicochemical characterization included particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and complexation efficiency. In-vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay. Gastroprotective activity was assessed by determining the gastric ulcer index and percentage gastroprotection, with histopathological examination used to evaluate gastric mucosal integrity. The reported results indicated that the phytosome formulation exhibited improved antioxidant activity and greater reduction in ulcer index compared with the unformulated extract. These findings suggest that phytosome technology may enhance the pharmaceutical potential of P. niruri for gastroprotective applications. Further investigations are necessary to establish the formulation’s mechanism of action, stability, safety, and therapeutic efficacy.