In Vitro Estimation of Photo-Protective Potential of Pomegranate Seed Oil and Development of a Nanoformulation

Background: Since ancient times, people have been using natural resources for photoprotection purposes. One such highly recognised natural agent is pomegranate seed oil, considered as wonder oil owing to the presence of several beneficial phytoconstituents. Objective: The study aimed to establish the photoprotective potential of pomegranate seed oil through various in vitro and biochemical studies along with the formation of nanoemulsion, an efficient topical delivery system for the oil. Method: Photo-protective potential of the oil was estimated by determining in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, total phenolic content, anti elastase, antihyaluronidase and anticollagenase activities of the oil. Ultrasonication method was used to formulate nanoemulsions. The optimisation was done following the central composite design. The characterisation was done by particle size analysis, zeta potential, polydispersity index, pH, viscosity, stability testing and transmission electron microscopy. The optimised nanoemulsion was loaded into a gel base for topical application and further release studies were carried out. Results: The IC50 values of anti-elastase, anti-collagenase and anti-hyaluronidase were found to be 309 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml and 95 mg/ml respectively. The results of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity were also significant, which thereby established the photo-protective potential of the oil. The optimum batch 2 had particle size 83.90 nm, 0.237 PDI and -5.37 mV zeta potential. The morphology was confirmed by TEM. Batch 2 was incorporated into a gel base and release studies showed 74.12 % release within 7 hours. Conclusion: Pomegranate seed oil possesses a potential photo-protective ability. Nanoemulsions proved to be a promising carrier for the topical delivery of the oil.