Microencapsulation of Schleichera Oleosa L. Leaf Extract in Maintaining Their Biological Activity: Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective

Abstract

Objective: Schleichera oleosa L. leaf extract has been studied to have antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. Flavonoid compounds that have potential as antioxidants are generally unstable and rapidly degraded due to the influence of moisture, heat, light, oxygen, and other reactive components. Microencapsulation is an effective method for maintaining the stability of bioactive compounds. This study aims to formulate S. oleosa leaf extract microcapsules and test their stability based on the results of physical characterization, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. Methods: The microencapsulation process of S. oleosa leaf extract was carried out using a fluid bed coating using a polyvinyl alcohol matrix and Ethocel 10 cP. Stability test using a climatic chamber at 40 °C for 90 d. Physical characteristics consist of drying shrinkage, flow rate, angle of repose, compressibility, particle size, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) picture. Antioxidant activity was tested in vitro using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and hepatoprotective activity was tested using the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity method in rats. Results: The results showed that the microcapsules, after stability testing, could maintain the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the strong category with IC50 values ranging from 50 to 100 ppm. The results of the hepatoprotective activity test of S. oleosa leaf extract microcapsules tested on days 0 and 90 (after stability testing) could significantly reduce SGOT and SGPT levels compared to negative controls after being induced with paracetamol. Still, this effect was lower than that of curcumin, which is known to be hepatoprotective. Conclusion: The application of the microencapsulation method to S. oleosa leaf extract plays an essential role in maintaining physical stability and maintaining its biological activity as an antioxidant and hepatoprotector.