Enhanced bioaccessibility and anti-inflammatory effect of chrysin nanoemulsion

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, its utilization is hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability. In this study, a chrysin-loaded oil-in-water emulsion system (chrysin-ES) stabilized by octenyl succinate anhydride (OSA)-modified starch was developed to overcome these limitations. The resulting chrysin-ES exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency (99 %), with drug loading of 0.0093 %, a uniform droplet size (82 nm), and stable colloidal properties over 30 days . In an in vitro digestion assay, chrysin-ES displayed a fourfold increase in bioaccessibility compared to raw chrysin. Furthermore, chrysin-ES demonstrated improved permeability in a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay, suggesting enhanced gastrointestinal absorption. It also showed superior anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 macrophages, as confirmed by dose-dependent reductions in LPS-induced ROS, IL-6, and PGE2 levels. These findings indicate that OSA-modified starch-stabilized chrysin-ES holds promise as a delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive compounds like chrysin, with potential utilizations in functional foods and nutraceuticals. • An OSA-modified starch nanoemulsion was utilized for chrysin delivery. • A high encapsulation efficiency was achieved in the chrysin-loaded nanoemulsion. • Its formulation demonstrated enhanced bioaccessibility and permeability. • The nanoemulsion significantly enhanced chrysin's anti-inflammatory effects.