Antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of a nanoemulsion from Satureja kermanica (Lamiaceae)

Satureja kermanica is a native species with a relatively wide distribution in Iran, which has been studied less. Due to the low stability of the plants, in this study, the methanolic extract of S. kermanica (MSK) along with a nanoemulsion (NEK) preparation was evaluated in terms of antioxidant and cytotoxic activity.

The aerial parts of S. kermanica were collected and after studying the organoleptic characteristics and quality control parameters, were extracted with methanol. Total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids of the plant were measured. A nanoemulsion preparation was prepared using ultrasonication method from S. kermanica extract. After measuring the particle size of nanoemulsion, both MSK and NEK were evaluated for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity using DPPH scavenging assay and MTT colorimetric method on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) respectively.

Phytochemical studies exhibited the presence of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, tannins, steroids and carbohydrates in the plant. Based on the histogram of the SBL nanosizer, the average diameter of nanoemulsion was determined as 37.09nm. Both MSK and NEK showed dose-dependent antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. The IC₅₀ value of MSK and NEK for DPPH inhibition was 30.105±2.781 58.14±0.84μg/mL and for toxicity toward MCF-7 cell line was 1251.088 and 201.745±4.554μg/mL respectively.

MSK and NEK showed antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, but in NEK, the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of the plant was more prominent, which may be due to the rapid release of the bioactive component from the nanoemulsion.