Potentiating antimicrobial efficacy of propolis through niosomal-based system for administration

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Propolis, a natural resin from honeybees, possesses antimicrobial properties.
• Developing effective topical delivery systems for propolis is crucial for its therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of propolis via a niosomal delivery system for topical application.
• To characterize propolis-loaded niosomes (PLNs) and evaluate their performance in a gel formulation.

Main Methods:

• Propolis extraction and polyphenol content determination.
• Preparation and physicochemical characterization of propolis-loaded niosomes (PLNs).
• Formulation of propolis niosomal gel (PNG) and ex vivo skin deposition studies.

Main Results:

• PLNs exhibited optimal vesicle size (294-427 nm) and entrapment efficiency (50.62-71.29%).
• Significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
• Propolis niosomal gel showed twofold enhanced skin deposition compared to propolis alone.

Conclusions:

• Niosomal encapsulation effectively enhances propolis' antimicrobial potential for topical delivery.
• The developed niosomal system offers a promising approach for improved topical antimicrobial therapies.