In this work, encapsulation technology—nanoemulsions (NEs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)—was applied for color masking of betel nut extract for oral and skin applications. Types and extents of surfactant and lipid as well as homogenization process showed essential roles on physical properties of the encapsulated betel nut extract. Comparing to solution of betel nut extract in methanol, the degree of lightness of the optimized NE and NLC formulations improved more than 44 time compared to unencapsulated formulation. The optimized NE and NLC were most stable at 25 °C. Extreme storage conditions of 4 and 45 °C resulted in phase separation and color change, respectively. However, total phenolic and antioxidant activity were found stable during the stability test in all storage conditions. This work has shown a great potential use of nanoencapsulation technology in color masking plus maintain activities of betel nut extract for food as well as cosmetic application.
Areca nut extract provides a variety of pharmacological effects that are beneficial for skincare applications. A nanoemulsion of areca nut extract was developed to mask the intense color and to improve the water solubility of the extract. This work studied the impact of a co-solvent on the characteristics and stability of the nanoemulsion. Our former optimized nanoemulsion was modified by adding a common co-solvent, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), to the formula. Phase separation, particle characteristics, antioxidant activity, in vitro cytotoxicity, and stability of the modified nanoemulsion were evaluated. This work has shown the successful encapsulation of areca nut extract with a great improvement of stability, well-maintained antioxidant activity and low toxicity on normal human skin fibroblast.
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