Production of nanocapsule from sea-buckthorn extract in Iran

Iranian researchers from Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch of Islamic Azad University used sea-buckthorn extract to produce nanocapsules which are able to protect the drugs located in them and have applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Sea-buckthorn has been widely used in traditional medicine due to its medical properties. This plant is rich in calcium and is an appropriate option for the production of novel drugs, including nanodrugs. Researchers produced medical nanocapsules in this research by enriching sea-buckthorn extract. Nanocapsules diameter has a size distribution of 40-150 nm. The nanocapsules have been produced through emission-emulsion method, and various organic solvents and different stabilizers have been used in the process. Results showed that it is possible to produce the nanocapsule with an efficiency of 98%. The size of nanocapsules highly depends on the type of the used organic solvent, the type of the stabilizer, and the ratio of the organic phase to the aqueous phase. In addition to its pharmaceutical applications, the result of the research can also be used in the production of perfumes and cosmetics taking into consideration the conservation of the scent of such materials. An aqueous phase (consisting of surfactant and glycerin) and an organic phase (consisting of the polymer and sea-buckthorn extract) were used in the production of the nanocapsule. Suspension was formed when the organic phase was added to the aqueous phase during stirring. After the separation of the organic phase from the suspension, the solution was stirred by ultrasonic stirrer so the nanocapsule is created. Results showed that the smallest diameter of nanocapsule is obtained when acetone is used as the organic solvent. In this report, the optimum ratio of the organic phase to aqueous one is reported 1 to 5. Moreover, the best stabilizer has been reported Tween 20. Results of the research have been published in Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 55, January 2014, pp. 49-55.