Preparation and Characterization of a Coconut Oil Nanoemulsion for Ellagic Acid Encapsulation

Introduction: Ellagic acid, a BCS Class IV drug, suffers from poor solubility and permea-bility, limiting its therapeutic potential despite its wide pharmacological activities. This study aimed to develop a coconut oil-based Ellagic acid Nanoemulsion (CoEaNe) and evaluate its wound-healing efficacy. Methods: CoEaNe was prepared using a modified ultrasonication process. Drug loading and entrap-ment efficiency were assessed via UV spectroscopy. Particle size and polydispersity index were meas-ured with a zeta sizer, while particle morphology was examined using Field Emission Scanning Elec-tron Microscopy (FESEM). In-vivo wound-healing activity was evaluated in the Albino Wistar rat model. Drug release kinetics were analyzed using various mathematical models. Results: The nanoemulsion exhibited a Z-average of 137.9 nm with spherical morphology and demon-strated zero-order release kinetics. FESEM confirmed uniform spherical particles. In vivo, CoEaNe significantly enhanced wound healing, achieving complete closure of burn wounds compared to con-trols. Discussion: The research findings highlight the potential of CoEaNe as a promising drug delivery system for poorly soluble BCS Class IV drugs. The enhanced wound-healing effect may be attributed to the optimized particle size, sustained drug release, and improved entrapment efficiency. Conclusion: Coconut oil-based Ellagic acid Nanoemulsion (CoEaNe) has optimal and favorable phys-icochemical properties, efficient drug loading, and significant wound-healing efficacy in-vivo, sug-gesting its applicability as a novel carrier system for enhancing therapeutic outcomes of poorly soluble drugs.