FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBOSOMES OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA LEAF EXTRACT AND ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate herbosomes containing Annona squamosa leaf extract as a novel herbal drug-delivery system and to investigate their antimicrobial potential. The leaves were extracted using petroleum ether and methanol, and the percentage yield was found to be 0.52% and 2.13%, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of various bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, triterpenoids, and steroids, with the methanolic extract showing a broader phytochemical profile. Solubility studies indicated that the extract was freely soluble in methanol and soluble in ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, and water. The extract was subsequently incorporated into herbosomes, and five formulations (F1–F5) were prepared and characterized for their physicochemical properties. Particle-size analysis revealed sizes ranging from 210.3 to 795.2 nm, with formulation F5 exhibiting the lowest particle size of 210.3 nm. Zeta-potential values ranged from −0.1 to −1.2 mV. Scanning electron microscopy of the optimized F5 formulation revealed spherical particles with a smooth and porous surface morphology. The antimicrobial activity of the herbosomal formulation was evaluated against Escherichia coli using the agar diffusion method. The formulation demonstrated concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, with zones of inhibition of 10, 12, 13, and 15 mm at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/mL, respectively. The findings demonstrate that Annona squamosa leaf extract can be successfully incorporated into a herbosomal delivery system and that the developed formulation possesses promising antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Herbosomal delivery may provide a useful approach for improving the pharmaceutical potential and delivery of bioactive constituents present in Annona squamosa leaves.