Plant-Based Nanoemulsions: Harnessing Antioxidant Potential in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32382/medkes.v20i1.1458Keywords:
nanoemulsi, tanaman obat, bioavailabilitas, sistem penghantaran obatAbstract
The development of nanoemulsion technology has emerged as a significant breakthrough in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, particularly in enhancing the efficacy and stability of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Plant-based antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, exhibit potent biological activities in combating oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various degenerative diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. However, the optimal utilization of these compounds remains challenging due to their low water solubility, instability under environmental conditions, and poor bioavailability in biological systems. This review aims to analyze the potential application of plant-based nanoemulsions as delivery systems for antioxidant compounds in biomedical and cosmetic contexts. The method employed is library research, involving the selection and review of scientific literature published between 2019 and 2024, including both national and international journals focusing on nanoemulsions, antioxidants, and medicinal plants. The findings reveal that nanoemulsion formulations can significantly enhance the stability of antioxidant compounds against exposure to high temperatures, oxygen, and light, as well as improve the solubility of lipophilic compounds in aqueous media. The antioxidant activity levels of nanoemulsion formulations derived from various plant sources show considerable variation. The most favorable IC50 values were recorded for rosehip seed oil nanoemulsion (15.684±2.106 ppm), turmeric (31.16 ppm), and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract (approximately 25.3%), indicating high potential as natural antioxidants. Conversely, the highest IC50 value was observed in a formulation combining green tea extract and calendula oil (50502.14±0.01 ppm), which may be influenced by factors such as the extraction method and the type of surfactant used. In addition to their antioxidant properties, plant-based nanoemulsions have demonstrated effectiveness in various medical applications, including targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, wound healing, and neuroprotection. With additional attributes such as transparency, high stability, and the use of natural components—such as non-ionic surfactants and plant-based oils—nanoemulsions are regarded as safe and environmentally friendly. This review concludes that plant-based nanoemulsions not only enhance the functional performance of natural antioxidant compounds but also hold substantial promise for the development of more effective, efficient, and sustainable therapeutic and cosmetic products.
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