Formulation Optimization and Evaluation of Nanoemulsion Loaded with Plant Extract of Crinum latifolium for Antiarthritic Potential

Crinum Latifolium (CL), a plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties. This study developed and optimized a nanoemulsion (NE-MCL) formulation of methanolic extract of C. latifolium (MCL) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, aiming to reduce systemic side effects. MCL was extracted via maceration, and the nanoemulsion was optimized using phase diagrams to determine surfactant and co-surfactant concentrations. Process parameters—oil:Smix ratio, stirring speed, and time—were refined to achieve an optimized NE-MCL with a particle size of 225 nm, polydispersity index of 0.128, zeta potential of -3.198 mV, and drug content of 98.33 ± 0.69%. In vitro studies showed 80% sustained drug release over 24 hours, confirmed by diffusion-controlled kinetics (R² = 0.912, Higuchi model). TEM imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles, and NE-MCL demonstrated enhanced release properties compared to the plain drug solution, underscoring its potential to improve RA therapy while minimizing adverse effects