Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Enhanced Oil Recovery using a Combination of Biosurfactants
Published on: June 3, 2022
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Babassu Oil and Development of a Microemulsion System for Topical Delivery
Mysrayn Y F A Reis1, Simone M Dos Santos2, Danielle R Silva2
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Rua Juvêncio Arruda S/N, Bairro Universitário, 58429-600 Campina Grande, PB, Brazil.
Abstract:
Babassu oil extraction is the main income source in nut breakers communities in northeast of Brazil. Among these communities, babassu oil is used for cooking but also medically to treat skin wounds and inflammation, and vulvovaginitis. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and develop a microemulsion system with babassu oil for topical delivery. Topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in mice ear edema using PMA, arachidonic acid, ethyl phenylpropiolate, phenol, and capsaicin as phlogistic agents. A microemulsion system was successfully developed using a Span® 80/Kolliphor® EL ratio of 6 : 4 as the surfactant system (S), propylene glycol and water (3 : 1) as the aqueous phase (A), and babassu oil as the oil phase (O), and analyzed through conductivity, SAXS, DSC, TEM, and rheological assays. Babassu oil and lauric acid showed anti-inflammatory activity in mice ear edema, through inhibition of eicosanoid pathway and bioactive amines. The developed formulation (39% A, 12.2% O, and 48.8% S) was classified as a bicontinuous to o/w transition microemulsion that showed a Newtonian profile. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of microemulsified babassu oil was markedly increased. A new delivery system of babassu microemulsion droplet clusters was designed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of vegetable oil.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Design Example: Flow of Oil Through Circular Pipes
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Sustainable Development

