Formulation of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: an in vitro assessment study

(DC) stapf. (Gramineae) is a herb known worldwide as lemongrass. The oil obtained, i.e., lemongrass oil has emerged as one among the most relevant natural oils in the pharmaceutical industry owing to its extensive pharmacological and therapeutic benefits including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. However, its usage in novel formulations is constrained because of its instability and volatility. To address these concerns, the present study aims to formulate lemongrass-loaded SLN (LG) using hot water titration technique. In the , Tween 80 was selected as a surfactant component, while ethanol was taken as a co-surfactant. Different ratios of (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1 and 3:1) were utilized to formulate LG-loaded SLN. The results indicated the fact that the LG formulation (abbreviated as LG), containing lipid phase 10% w/w (i.e., LG 3.33% and SA 6.67%), Tween 80 (20% w/w), ethanol (20% w/w) and distilled water (50% w/w), revealed suitable nanometric size (142.3 ± 5.96 nm) with a high zeta potential value (- 29.12 ± 1.7 mV) and a high entrapment efficiency (77.02 ± 8.12%). A rapid drug release (71.65 ± 5.33%) was observed for LG in a time span of 24 h. Additionally, the highest values for steady-state flux (; 0.6133 ± 0.0361 mg/cm/h), permeability coefficient (; 0.4573 ± 0.0141 (cm/h) × 10) and enhancement ratio (; 13.50) was also conferred by LG. Based on in vitro study results, the developed SLN appeared as a potential carrier for enhanced topical administration of lemongrass oil. The observed results also indicated the fact that the phyto-cosmeceutical prospective of the nanolipidic carrier for topical administration of lemongrass oil utilizing pharmaceutically acceptable components can be explored further for widespread clinical applicability.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03726-5.