Rosemary-loaded nanolipid carriers for multifunctional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal therapy enhancement

Abstract. Padmanabhan S, Dharshini BP, Vasugi S, Dilipan E. 2025. Rosemary-loaded nanolipid carriers for multifunctional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal therapy enhancement. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 23: 146-152. We developed and characterized rosemary-loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and evaluated their multifunctional bioactivity. Rosemary extract (Soxhlet, 80% methanol) was incorporated into a lipid matrix via a microemulsion route. Physicochemical analyses confirmed successful encapsulation and stability: X-ray diffraction showed a semi-crystalline/disordered matrix consistent with efficient loading, and FTIR revealed characteristic bands (O–H, C–H, C=O/C–O–C) indicating compatible interactions between extract and lipids. In vitro bioassays demonstrated strong, concentration-dependent effects. Anti-inflammatory activity (protein-denaturation model) rose from 44% inhibition at 50 µg to 94% at 200 µg. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH) increased from 52.32% at 50 µg to 89.47% at 200 µg. Antifungal testing against Candida albicans showed dose-dependent zones of inhibition, with maximal effects at the highest tested volume (100 µL). Collectively, these data indicate that NLC encapsulation enhances the functional performance of rosemary bioactive across complementary therapeutic axes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal while maintaining structural integrity of the carrier system. The eco-friendly formulation strategy, relying on biocompatible lipids and surfactants, supports improved bioavailability and stability and is well-suited for translation to topical wound care, infection control, and targeted drug-delivery applications. Future work will optimize particle attributes and release kinetics and benchmark efficacy against standard comparators in relevant preclinical models.