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Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Self-Nanoemulsification of Healthy Oils to Enhance the Solubility of Lipophilic Drugs
Published on: July 27, 2022
Natural antioxidants in emulsions O/W
Soukaina El-Guendouz1,2, Smail Aazza3, Susana Anahi Dandlen2
1Laboratory of Physiology-Pharmacology-Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, BP 1796 Atlas, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, Fez, 30 000, Morocco.
This study found that propolis extract (PE) and thyme waste extract (TWE) reduce oil oxidation in emulsions. Thyme waste extract increased viscosity, while propolis extract decreased it at lower concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Chemistry
- Material Science
Background:
- Oxidation of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is a significant concern in food and cosmetic industries, affecting product stability and shelf-life.
- Natural extracts are increasingly explored as alternatives to synthetic antioxidants.
- Wheat germ and almond oils present unique challenges due to their fatty acid profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of propolis extract (PE) and thyme waste extract (TWE) in O/W emulsions.
- To assess the impact of PE and TWE on the apparent viscosity (AV) of emulsions containing wheat germ and almond oils.
- To determine the effectiveness of these natural extracts in preventing lipid oxidation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized central composite design (CCD) for experimental planning and optimization.
- Employed principal component analysis (PCA) for data interpretation and pattern recognition.
- Monitored lipid oxidation by measuring Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides.
- Assessed apparent viscosity (AV) by determining consistency and flow behavior indices.
Main Results:
- Increasing concentrations of both PE and TWE significantly reduced the formation of primary and secondary lipid oxidation products (TBARS and hydroperoxides).
- Thyme waste extract (TWE) increased emulsion apparent viscosity (AV) at concentrations above 0.04%.
- Propolis extract (PE) decreased AV at lower concentrations but its effect at higher concentrations was not specified.
- PCA analysis confirmed the observed trends in oxidation prevention and viscosity changes.
- Thyme waste extract demonstrated greater resistance to oxidation, while propolis extract exhibited higher antioxidant efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Both propolis extract and thyme waste extract are effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation in O/W emulsions.
- Thyme waste extract positively influences emulsion viscosity, making it a promising ingredient for stabilizing emulsions.
- Propolis extract is a potent antioxidant, though its impact on viscosity requires further investigation for specific applications.
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