Preparation and Evaluation of Nutraceutical Capsules of Sunflower Seed Extracts for the Treatment of Anemia

Abstract

The study aimed to develop pharmaceutical nutraceutical capsules containing extracts from sunflower seeds to treat anemia and associated diseases. Sunflower seed extract (SFSE) was obtained from Helianthus annuus L, and the phytochemicals, antioxidant vitamins and mineral compositions were evaluated. Sunflower seeds contain multiple minerals and phytochemicals that could be employed in the management of anemia, diabetes, nephrotoxicity and cardiovascular problems. Sunflower seeds (SFS) are excellent source of minerals and vitamins including vitamin E, folic acid, thiamine, vitamin B6, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium, and could be used as good nutraceuticals. Pharmaceutics evaluations were analyzed using the dried extracts to determine their flowability. The extracts were further formulated into capsule dosage forms and evaluated. The phytochemical screening of sunflower seed extract and powdered crude indicated the presence of tannin, flavonoid, phenol, saponins, phytate, oxalate, alkaloids and steroids. The quantitative phytochemical composition of sunflower seed extract revealed a high alkaloid content of 11.80 ± 0.02 %, steroid composition of 2.80 ± 0.01% and a phenolic compound of 0.02 ± 0.00 %. SFSE also showed different amounts of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C (1924.20 μg/mg) was significantly the highest (p<0.05), followed by vitamin E (42.01±1.02 μg/mg), and the least was vitamin A (18.01μg/mg). The micromeritics studies of the dried powdered extract revealed an excellent flow. The extracts were adequately formulated in capsules using hard-shell gelatin capsules in combination with compatible pharmaceutical-grade excipients. The uniformi-ty of capsule weight showed an average weight of 488 mg ± 0.7377% and 492 mg ± 0.3252%. The data obtained from the extracts' content analysis showed that the extracts and all their constituents were neither affected by formulation procedures nor excipients. Hence, they exhibited an average content of 98 ± 0.07 %. Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and selenium in sunflower seeds could provide antioxidants, which can safely interact with free radicals and ter-minate the chain reaction, improving health status and the blood's red blood cell composition. SFSE capsules were stable and could be used to mask the taste and odor of this ex-tract to enhance patient compliance.