A Compressive Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Niosomes containing Phaseolus vulgaris and zingiber officinale for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate niosomes containing Phaseolus vulgaris (PV) and Zingiber officinale (ZO) for their antidiabetic activity. Niosomes, non-ionic surfactant vesicles, were prepared using PV and ZO extracts via the thin-film hydration method. The formulations were characterized for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Antidiabetic activity was assessed through in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay and glucose uptake studies using differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The formulated niosomes exhibited a mean particle size within the nanometer range, indicating their suitability for drug delivery. Morphological examination revealed spherical vesicles with uniform size distribution. Entrapment efficiency of the bioactive constituents from PV and ZO extracts was found to be satisfactory. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release profiles over time, indicative of controlled drug delivery potential. Antidiabetic activity assessment revealed significant α-amylase inhibition by the niosomal formulations compared to free extracts. Furthermore, glucose uptake studies demonstrated enhanced glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with niosomes containing PV and ZO extracts compared to untreated cells.