Design, Development, and Characterization of Dual-Component Herbal Phytosomes of Asiatic Acid and Bacopasaponin C

Abstract

Herbal phytosomes have emerged as promising nano-delivery systems for enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of poorly soluble phytoconstituents. Asiatic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene from Centella asiatica, and Bacopasaponin C, a bioactive saponin isolated from Bacopa monnieri, exhibit notable neuroprotective, antioxidant, and cognitive-enhancing activities; however, their clinical applicability is restricted by poor aqueous solubility, limited permeability, and low oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate dual-component herbal phytosomes containing Asiatic acid and Bacopasaponin C to improve their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties.
Preformulation investigations included determination of maximum wavelength, calibration curve development, and isobestic point analysis for both phytoconstituents. Simultaneous estimation was performed using RP-HPLC, demonstrating good linearity, precision, and specificity. Dual-component phytosomes were prepared by the antisolvent precipitation method employing phospholipids as vesicular carriers. The prepared phytosomes were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug content, and in vitro drug release. Structural and physicochemical characterization was conducted using FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM analyses.
The optimized phytosomal formulation exhibited nanosized vesicles with uniform distribution, satisfactory zeta potential, high entrapment efficiency, adequate drug content, and sustained release behavior. FTIR and DSC studies confirmed successful phytoconstituent-phospholipid complexation, while XRD revealed reduced crystallinity of the entrapped compounds. SEM analysis demonstrated nearly spherical vesicular structures. The developed phytosomal system significantly improved the physicochemical characteristics and delivery potential of both phytoconstituents.
The findings suggest that this nanoformulation may represent an effective strategy for improving stability, absorption, and therapeutic performance of herbal bioactives during administration.