FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DIOSMIN LOADED PRONIOSOMES FOR ANTI INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

Diosmin, a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside with proven vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, is clinically limited by poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. The present study focuses on the formulation and comprehensive characterization of diosmin-loaded proniosomes as a novel vesicular drug delivery system to overcome these limitations. Proniosomes were prepared using the slurry method with non-ionic surfactants (Span 60 or Span 80), cholesterol, and maltodextrin as carrier material. The developed formulations were evaluated for drug–excipient compatibility, entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, in-vitro drug release, and biological performance. FT-IR analysis confirmed the absence of chemical interactions, indicating formulation stability. Entrapment efficiency was remarkably high (95.80–99.82%), with Span 60–based formulations showing superior drug loading. SEM analysis revealed nearly spherical, uniform vesicles with smooth surfaces. Optimized formulations demonstrated a sustained drug release profile, achieving up to 99% release over 24 hours. In-vitro pharmacological evaluation showed significant anti-inflammatory activity via protein denaturation inhibition (75.70% at 100 µg/mL) and strong antioxidant potential in the DPPH assay (72.17% inhibition at 100 µg/mL), comparable to standard drugs. Overall, diosmin-loaded proniosomes represent a promising, stable, and efficient delivery platform for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of poorly soluble flavonoids.