Chapter 6 - Nanoemulsions: A New Approach for Enhancing Phytonutrient Efficacy

Abstract

Nanoemulsions have considerable potential for encapsulating, protecting, and delivering lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive components via different routes, most commonly; transdermal and oral. The bioactive components may be pharmaceuticals (drugs) and nutraceuticals (phytonutrients with specific health benefits). Nanoemulsions can be fabricated from generally recognized as safe ingredients, using usually simple processing operations. Some of the potential advantages of nanoemulsions include higher bioaccessibility, physical stability, and optical clarity, in addition to small particle size, controlled release of actives with prolonged duration of action. Many phytonutrients have shown promise as curative agents. Various types of nanoparticles, such as nano-/microemulsions, have proved suitable for the delivery of active forms of phytonutrients. Examples include curcumin microemulsions that improved its delivery via local and transdermal routes. Also, wheat bran oil nanoemulsions showed good stability over time together with antioxidant activity making it suitable for use in food applications. Liquorice transdermal microemulsions (TD ME) possessed potent antioxidant capacity and good stability. Also, the boswellia TD MEs provided excellent prolonged anti-inflammatory potential with no local irritation. Fennel essential oil transdermal nanoemulsions proved to have a potent antidiabetic effect with a prolonged action. Other contributions comprise cumin essential oil for transdermal antioxidant activity.