Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF GALLIC ACID–LOADED ALGINATE NANOPARTICLES DERIVED FROM PHYLLANTHUS EMBLICA AND TERMINALIA CHEBULA

Supachai Chumchuen*, Thanpisit Yuenwong, Kamonnate Meesri Julalak Kantanalit, Yoskrai Sridhanasakulchai

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the extraction characteristics, nanoparticle formulation, release behavior, and biological activities of Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, and Derris scandens extracts. Aqueous extraction produced phenolic-rich, stable powders suitable for pharmaceutical use. Gallic acid–loaded alginate nanoparticles were successfully prepared using a modified coacervation method, yielding nanosized particles (114 nm, PDI 0.185) with high drug-loading efficiency (87.67%). In-vitro release studies showed that free gallic acid exhibited a rapid burst release, whereas gallic acid–loaded nanoparticles provided a sustained and controlled release up to 12 h. A combination extract of D. scandens, P. emblica, and T. chebula demonstrated prolonged release behavior compared with nanoparticles, suggesting extended therapeutic potential. Stability testing confirmed that the extracts remained chemically stable at 25 °C for 12 months. Biological assays revealed that the herbal extracts, individually and in combination, inhibited COX-2 activity, with effects comparable to Celecoxib at certain doses. In isolated pig ileum, the extracts modulated intestinal contractility, indicating potential spasmolytic properties. Overall, the findings support the applicability of these herbal extracts and nanoparticle formulations for controlled-release delivery and anti-inflammatory therapeutic use.

Keywords: Phyllanthus emblica; Terminalia chebula; gallic acid; polymeric nanoparticles; alginate; COX-2 inhibition; ileum contraction; sustained release; traditional medicine.