Bio-functional nanoemulsion of Plectranthus amboinicus Essential oil: Molecular insights into obesity control
This study explored the bioactive potential of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil (PAEO) and its nanoemulsion (PANE). PAEO, extracted via hydro-distillation, contained 71.3 % carvacrol (GC–MS). PANE exhibited a Z-average diameter of 200.3 nm, ζ-potential of -9.54 mV, and FT-IR-confirmed encapsulation. Although PAEO showed larger antimicrobial zones (20–23 mm) against S. aureus and E. coli, PANE demonstrated lower MICs (96 μL/mL vs. >96 μL/mL). PANE was better than PAEO in controlling obesity, with enhanced lipid peroxidation inhibition (IC₅₀: 147.91 vs. 189.47 μL) and DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀:115.47–140.21 vs. 203.38 μL). PANE (IC₅₀: 350.00 μL) showed reduced lipase inhibition versus crude form (163.23 μL) due to encapsulation. MTT assays revealed PANE’s enhanced bioavailability (IC₅₀: 1 ± 0.01 μL PANE vs. 2.5 ± 0.01 μL PAEO), supporting adipocyte gene modulation. PAEO induced stronger PRDM16 up-regulation (5.03-fold, p = 0.001), a key adipocyte browning marker, but pungency and instability limits therapeutic utility. In contrast, PANE, a stable nanoemulsion, achieved significant PRDM16 activation (3.91-fold, p = 0.006) without stability concerns, positioning it as a viable phytochemical alternative to Orlistat in obesity management.