Formulation and Evaluation of Luteolin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The present study was aimed at the formulation and evaluation of Luteolin-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for enhanced drug delivery and anti-inflammatory activity. Luteolin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory properties, exhibits limited aqueous solubility and bioavailability, which restrict its therapeutic effectiveness. FTIR studies confirmed the absence of significant interactions between luteolin and formulation excipients.SLN prepared by using homogenization method. The prepared SLNs were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, and stability. The particle size of the formulations ranged from 224 to 274 nm, while zeta potential values ranged from −22 to −29 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. Entrapment efficiency was found to be between 82.13% and 90.12%. Among all formulations, F4 was identified as the optimized formulation, exhibiting the smallest particle size (224 nm) and highest entrapment efficiency (90.12%). SEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with smooth surfaces and no aggregation. In vitro drug release studies carried out using phosphate buffer pH 7.4 demonstrated sustained drug release over 8 hours, with formulation F4 showing the highest cumulative drug release of 96.39%. Stability studies conducted for three months under different storage conditions showed no significant changes in drug release characteristics, indicating good formulation stability. In conclusion, the developed luteolin-loaded SLNs demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, high drug entrapment, sustained drug release, and good stability. The optimized formulation has significant potential as a promising nanocarrier system for improving the therapeutic efficacy of luteolin in anti-inflammatory therapy.