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Phytochemical Characterization, Bioactivities, and Nanoparticle-Based Topical Gel Formulation Development from Four
Pimporn Anantaworasakul1, Weeraya Preedalikit2, Phunsuk Anantaworasakul3
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 25, 2025
Summary
This study developed nanoparticle gels from kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) extracts. Kan Keaw (KG) and Tai Bai-yao (KY) varieties showed the most promise for anti-aging cosmeceuticals due to superior antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting properties.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacognosy and Cosmeceutical Science
- Nanotechnology in Dermatology
- Phytochemistry and Natural Products
Background:
- Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a plant with rich bioactive compounds like alkaloids and phenolics.
- These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-aging properties, making kratom a potential cosmeceutical ingredient.
- Developing effective topical delivery systems is crucial for harnessing these benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate and characterize nanoparticle-based topical gels from four kratom varieties (KD, HK, KY, KG).
- To evaluate the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and enzymatic inhibitory effects of kratom nanoparticles (NPs).
- To assess the biocompatibility and physicochemical stability of the NP-loaded gels for cosmeceutical applications.
Main Methods:
- Kratom extracts were prepared and formulated into nanoparticles using a solvent displacement method.
- Nanoparticle characterization included size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential measurements.
- Phytochemical analysis (TPC, TFC, HPLC), antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), enzyme inhibition assays (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase), and cytotoxicity tests (HaCaT cells) were performed.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles ranged from 201.9-256.2 nm with PDI < 0.3 and zeta potential between -22.6 to -29.6 mV.
- KG and KY varieties exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, with good retention in NPs.
- NP formulations demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity and superior inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase compared to crude extracts, with high biocompatibility (IC50 > 700 µg/mL).
Conclusions:
- KG and KY kratom cultivars are promising candidates for cosmeceutical development due to their rich phytochemical profiles and potent antioxidant and anti-aging activities.
- Nanoparticle formulation significantly enhanced the efficacy of kratom extracts for topical applications.
- KG NP and KY NP-loaded gels represent potential multifunctional cosmeceutical agents for skin rejuvenation and protection.
