1,2Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kopargaon 423603, Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Ms. Warule Pooja Suresh, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kopargaon 423603, Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: poojawarule2318@gmail.com, v_pharmacy@yahoo.co.in
Background: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major catechin derived from Camellia sinensis, is extensively studied for its neuroprotective properties, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a promising candidate for Parkinson's disease (PD) management. However, its therapeutic application is severely limited by low systemic bioavailability and poor chemical stability.
Objective: This study aimed to develop and characterize EGCG phytosomes as a novel delivery system to overcome the inherent biopharmaceutical limitations of EGCG, thereby enhancing its therapeutic potential for PD.
Methods: EGCG was extracted from green tea using Soxhlet extraction with an ethanol:ethyl acetate (70:30 v/v) solvent system. Phytosomes were subsequently prepared using soya lecithin and cholesterol, and the formulation was systematically optimized using a full factorial Design of Experiments (DoE), evaluating EGCG:lecithin ratio and cholesterol concentration. The optimized batch was thoroughly characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), and thermal behavior using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
Results: The optimized EGCG phytosomes exhibited uniform, nanoscale vesicular size (90.5 nm), a high entrapment efficiency of 87.0%, and a stable zeta potential of -29.12 mV. DSC analysis confirmed the successful formation of an EGCG-phospholipid complex, indicated by a significant shift in the melting endotherm of EGCG. Morphological analysis via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed well-defined, spherical vesicles. Stability studies showed promising retention of EE over one month.
Conclusion: Phytosomal encapsulation successfully enhances EGCG stability and drug loading, offering a superior delivery system compared to free EGCG. These EGCG phytosomes represent a promising, natural, and multi-faceted approach for targeted neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease, warranting further in vivo validation for their neuroprotective efficacy and behavioral outcomes.
Keywords: EGCG, Phytosomes, Parkinson's disease, Soya lecithin, Cholesterol, Bioavailability Enhancement.
How to cite this article: Suresh WP, Patel VP. Phytosomal Encapsulation of Epigallocatechin Gallate: A Strategy for Enhanced Bioavailability and Neuroprotective Potential in Parkinson's disease Management. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(11s): 609-621. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.11s.61
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None