Formulation and optimization of naringin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using Box-Behnken based design: In vitro and ex vivo evaluation

Empowering Naringin's Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Nanoencapsulation

Abundant in citrus fruits, naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid that has a wide spectrum of beneficial health effects, including its anti-inflammatory activity. However, its use in the clinic is limited due to extensive phase I and II first-pass metabolism, which limits its bioavailability. Thus, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were used to protect and concentrate NAR in inflamed issues, to enhance its anti-inflammatory effects. To target LNPs to the CD44 receptor, overexpressed in activated macrophages, functionalization with hyaluronic acid (HA) was performed. The formulation with NAR and HA on the surface (NAR@NPsHA) has a size below 200 nm, a polydispersity around 0.245, a loading capacity of nearly 10%, and a zeta potential of about 10 mV. In vitro studies show the controlled release of NAR along the gastrointestinal tract, high cytocompatibility (L929 and THP-1 cell lines), and low hemolytic activity. It was also shown that the developed LNPs can regulate inflammatory mediators. In fact, NAR@NPsHA were able to decrease TNF-α and CCL-3 markers expression by 80 and 90% and manage to inhibit the effects of LPS by around 66% for IL-1β and around 45% for IL-6. Overall, the developed LNPs may represent an efficient drug delivery system with an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect.

Co-Delivery of Naringin and Ciprofloxacin by Oleic Acid Lipid Core Encapsulated in Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Alginate Nanoparticle Composite for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity

A novel combination of antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (CIP) with herbal counterpart naringin (NAR) was encapsulated by an oleic acid lipid core and carboxymethyl chitosan (CM-CS)/Alginate (AG) nanoparticle composite (CIP + NAR-CM-CS/AG-NPs) for improved antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotic. Herein, this study explored the design and preparation of a composite system that enables to deliver both CIP and NAR from the oleic acid lipid core of CM-CS/AG nanoparticles using a nonsolvent ionic gelation technique. The nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated with improved long-acting antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The optimized composition was investigated for physicochemical properties particle size, particle distribution, and ζ-potential. A diverse array of analytical tools was employed to characterize the optimized formulation including DSC, XRD, Malvern Zetasizer for particle size, ζ-potential, TEM, and SEM. Further, the preparation was investigated for % drug release, flux determination, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity. The formulation stability was tested for 90 days and also evaluated formulation stability in fetal bovine serum to inspect the modification in physicochemical characteristics. NPs size was determined at 85 nm, PDI, and ζ-potential was recorded at 0.318, and 0.7 ± 0.4 mV. The % CIP and NAR entrapment efficiency and % loading were incurred as 91 ± 1.9, and 89.5 ± 1.2; 11.5 ± 0.6, and 10.8 ± 0.5%, respectively. The drug release erupted in the beginning phase followed by sustained and prolonged release for 48 h. The analytical experiments by DSC ensured the noninteracting and safe use of excipients in combination. X-ray studies demonstrated the amorphous state of the drug in the formulation. The insignificant alteration of formulation characteristics in FBS suggested stable and robust preparation. Storage stability of the developed formulation ensured consistent and uniform stability for three months. The DPPH assays demonstrated that NAR had good antioxidant capacity and supported improving antimicrobial activity of CIP. The hemolytic test suggested the developed formulation was compatible and caused insignificant RBC destruction. The in-house built formulation CIP + NAR-CM-CS/AG-NPs significantly improved the antimicrobial activity compared to CIP alone, offering a novel choice in antimicrobial application.

Neuroprotective effects of trigonelline in kainic acid-induced epilepsy: Behavioral, biochemical, and functional insights

Trigonelline, an alkaloid found in the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek), has been recognized for its potential in treating various diseases. Notably, trigonelline has demonstrated a neuroprotective impact by reducing intrasynaptosomal calcium levels, inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and regulating cytokines. Kainic acid, an agonist of kainic acid receptors, is utilized for inducing temporal lobe epilepsy and is a common choice for establishing kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, a widely used epileptic model. The neuroprotective effect of trigonelline in the context of kainic acid-induced epilepsy remains unexplored. This study aimed to induce epilepsy by administering kainic acid (10 mg/kg, single subcutaneous dose) and subsequently evaluate the potential anti-epileptic effect of trigonelline (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal administration for 14 days). Ethosuccimide (ETX) (187.5 mg/kg) served as the standard drug for comparison. The anti-epileptic effect of trigonelline over a 14-day administration period was examined. Behavioral assessments, such as the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test, Open Field Test (OFT), and Plus Maze tests, were conducted 2 h after kainic acid administration to investigate spatial and non-spatial acquisition abilities in rats. Additionally, biochemical analysis encompassing intrasynaptosomal calcium levels, LDH activity, serotonin levels, oxidative indicators, and inflammatory cytokines associated with inflammation were evaluated. Trigonelline exhibited significant behavioral improvements by reducing anxiety in open field and plus maze tests, along with an amelioration of memory impairment. Notably, trigonelline substantially lowered intrasynaptosomal calcium levels and LDH activity, indicating its neuroprotective effect by mitigating cytotoxicity and neuronal injury within the hippocampus tissue. Moreover, trigonelline demonstrated a remarkable reduction in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators. In summary, this study underscores the potential of trigonelline as an anti-epileptic agent in the context of kainic acid-induced epilepsy. The compound exhibited beneficial effects on behavior, neuroprotection, and inflammation, shedding light on its therapeutic promise for epilepsy management.

Synthesis of Quercetin-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles and Assessing Their Anti-Bacterial Potential

The study delves into the multifaceted potential of quercetin (Qu), a phytoconstituent found in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, in combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The research explores the synthesis and characterization of AgNPs loaded with Qu and investigates their pharmaceutical applications, particularly focusing on antibacterial properties. The study meticulously evaluates Qu's identity, and physicochemical properties, reaffirming its suitability for pharmaceutical use. The development of Qu-loaded AgNPs demonstrates their high drug entrapment efficiency, ideal particle characteristics, and controlled drug release kinetics, suggesting enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. Furthermore, the research examines the antibacterial activity of Qu in different solvents, revealing distinct outcomes. Qu, both in methanol and water formulations, exhibits antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with the methanol formulation displaying a slightly stronger efficacy. In conclusion, this study successfully synthesizes AgNPs loaded with Qu and highlights their potential as a potent antibacterial formulation. The findings underscore the influence of solvent choice on Qu's antibacterial properties and pave the way for further research and development in drug delivery systems and antimicrobial agents. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing microbial resistance and advancing pharmaceutical formulations for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Development and Characterization of Terbinafine-Loaded Nanoemulgel for Effective Management of Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis, the most prevalent fungal infection, is witnessing a rising incidence annually. To address this challenge, we developed a terbinafine-loaded oil-in-water nanoemulsion (TH-NE) through the aqueous microtitration method. The formulation comprised olive oil (oil phase), Span 80 (surfactant), and propylene glycol (co-surfactant). Pseudo-phase ternary diagrams and thermodynamic studies underscored the stability of TH-NE. Employing the Box-Behnken design (BBD), we optimized TH-NE, which resulted in a remarkable particle size of 28.07 nm ± 0.5, a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.1922 ± 0.1, and a substantial negative zeta potential of -41.87 mV ± 1. Subsequently, TH-NE was integrated into a 1.5% carbopol matrix, yielding a nanoemulgel (TH-NEG). Texture analysis of TH-NEG demonstrated a firmness of 168.00 g, a consistency of 229.81 g/s, negative cohesiveness (-83.36 g), and a work of cohesion at -107.02 g/s. In vitro drug release studies revealed an initial burst effect followed by sustained release, with TH-NEG achieving an impressive 88% release over 48 h, outperforming TH-NE (74%) and the marketed formulation (66%). Ex vivo release studies mirrored these results, with TH-NEG (86%) and TH-NE (71%) showcasing sustained drug release in comparison to the marketed formulation (67%). Confocal microscopy illustrated that TH-NEG and TH-NE penetrated to depths of 30 µm and 25 µm, respectively, into the epidermal layer. Furthermore, dermatokinetic studies highlighted the enhanced drug penetration of TH-NEG compared to TH-NE through mouse skin. In summary, our study establishes TH-NEG as a promising carrier for terbinafine in treating dermatophytosis, offering improved drug delivery and sustained release potential.

Curcumin Nanoemulsion: Unveiling Cardioprotective Effects via ACE Inhibition and Antioxidant Properties in Hypertensive Rats

Background and Objectives: Curcumin, derived from Curcuma longa, is a well-known traditional medicinal compound recognized for its therapeutic attributes. Nevertheless, its efficacy is hampered by limited bioavailability, prompting researchers to explore the application of nanoemulsion as a potential alternative. Materials and Methods: This study delves into the antihypertensive effects of curcumin nanoemulsion (SNEC) by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and oxidative stress in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive rats. To gauge the cardio-protective impact of SNEC in DOCA salt-induced hypertension, molecular docking was undertaken, uncovering curcumin's high affinity and adept binding capabilities to the active site of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Additionally, the investigation employed uninephrectomized rats to assess hemodynamic parameters via an AD instrument. Serum ACE, angiotensin II, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels were quantified using ELISA kits, while antioxidant parameters were evaluated through chemical assays. Result: The outcomes of the molecular docking analysis revealed robust binding of curcumin to the ACE active site. Furthermore, oral administration of SNEC significantly mitigated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in contrast to the DOCA-induced hypertensive group. SNEC administration also led to a reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and an elevation in the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise (LV (dP/dt) max). Moreover, SNEC administration distinctly lowered serum levels of ACE and angiotensin II compared to the hypertensive DOCA group. Renal markers, including serum creatinine and BUN, displayed a shift toward normalized levels with SNEC treatment. Additionally, SNEC showcased potent antioxidant characteristics by elevating reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels, while decreasing the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings underscore that curcumin nanoemulsion exerts noteworthy cardio-protective effects through ACE activity inhibition and remarkable antioxidant properties.

Omega-3 fatty acid-based self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of pioglitazone: Optimization, in vitro and in vivo studies

Pioglitazone (PGL) is an effective insulin sensitizer, however, side effects such as accumulation of subcutaneous fat, edema, and weight gain as well as poor oral bioavailability limit its therapeutic potential for oral delivery. Recent studies have shown that combination of both, PGL and fish oil significantly reduce fasting plasma glucose, improve insulin resistance, and mitigate pioglitazone-induced subcutaneous fat accumulation and weight gain. Nevertheless, developing an effective oral drug delivery system for administration of both medications have not been explored yet. Thus, this study aimed to develop a self-micro emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for the simultaneous oral administration of PGL and fish oil. SMEDDS was developed using concentrated fish oil,Tween® 80, and Transcutol HP and optimized by central composite design (CCD). The reconstituted, optimized PGL-SMEDDS exhibited a globule size of 142 nm, a PDI of 0.232, and a zeta potential of -20.9 mV. The in-vitro drug release study of the PGL-SMEDDS showed a first-order model kinetic release and demonstrated remarkable 15-fold enhancement compared to PGL suspension. Additionally, following oral administration in fasting albino Wistar rats, PGL-SMEDDS exhibited 3.4-fold and 1.4-fold enhancements in the AUC0-24h compared to PGL suspension and PGL marketed product. The accelerated stability testing showed that the optimized SMEDDS formulation was stable over a three-month storage period. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the developed fish oil-based SMEDDS for PGL could serve as effective nanoplatforms for the oral delivery of PGL, warranting future studies to explore its synergistic therapeutic potential in rats.

Statistical optimization of tetrahydrocurcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Box Behnken design in the management of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

In the past, curcumin was the go-to medication for diabetes, but recent studies have shown that tetrahydrocurcumin is more effective. The problem is that it's not very soluble in water or very bioavailable. So, our research aims to increase the bioavailability and anti-diabetic efficacy of tetrahydrocurcumin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by synthesizing tetrahydrocurcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles. Box Behnken Design was employed for the optimization of tetrahydrocurcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (THC-SLNs). The optimal formulation was determined by doing an ANOVA to examine the relationship between the independent variables (drug-to-lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, and co-surfactant concentration) and the dependent variables (particle size, percent entrapment efficiency, and PDI). Particle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency all showed statistical significance based on F-values and p-values. The optimized batch was prepared using a drug-to-lipid ratio (1:4.16), 1.21% concentration of surfactant, and 0.4775% co-surfactant (observed with a particle size of 147.1 nm, 83.58 ± 0.838 % entrapment efficiency, and 0.265 PDI, and the values were found very close with the predicted ones. As the THC peak vanishes from the DSC thermogram of the improved formulation, this indicates that the drug has been transformed from its crystalline form into its amorphous state. TEM analysis of optimized formulation demonstrated mono-dispersed particles with an average particle size of 145 nm which are closely related to zetasizer's results. In-vitro release study of optimized formulation demonstrated burst release followed by sustained release up to 71.04% throughout 24 hrs. Increased bioavailability of the adjusted THC-SLN was found in an in vivo pharmacokinetics research with 9.47 folds higher AUC(0-t) compared to plain THC-suspension. Additionally, pharmacodynamic experiments of optimized formulation demonstrated a marked decrease in blood glucose level to 63.7% and increased body weight from 195.8 ± 7.223 to 231.2 ± 7.653 on the 28th day of the study and showed a better anti-diabetic effect than plain drug suspension. Results of stability studies revealed that formulation can be stored for longer periods at room temperature. Tetrahydrocurcumin can be effectively administered by SLN for the treatment of diabetes.

QbD Design, Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation of Trans-Tympanic Reverse Gelatination Gel of Norfloxacin: Investigating Gene-Gene Interactions to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy

Traditional otic drug delivery methods lack controlled release capabilities, making reverse gelatination gels a promising alternative. Reverse gelatination gels are colloidal systems that transition from a sol to a gel phase at the target site, providing controlled drug release over an extended period. Thermosensitive norfloxacin reverse gelatination gels were developed using a Quality by Design (QbD)-based optimization approach. The formulations were evaluated for their in vitro release profile, rheological behavior, visual appearance, pH, gelling time, and sol-gel transition temperature. The results show that the gelation temperatures of the formulations ranged from 33 to 37 °C, with gelling durations between 35 and 90 s. The drug content in the formulations was uniform, with entrapment efficiency ranging from 55% to 95%. Among the formulations, F10 exhibited the most favorable properties and was selected for a stability study lasting 60 days. Ex-vivo release data demonstrate that the F10 formulation achieved 95.6percentage of drug release at 360 min. This study successfully developed thermosensitive norfloxacin reverse gelatination gels using a QbD-based optimization approach. The selected formulation, F10, exhibited desirable properties in terms of gelling temperature, drug content, and release profile. These gels hold potential for the controlled delivery of norfloxacin in the treatment of ear infections.

Mannose-Functionalized Isoniazid-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Pulmonary Delivery: In Vitro Prospects and In Vivo Therapeutic Efficacy Assessment

Resistance to isoniazid (INH) is common and increases the possibility of acquiring multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. For this study, isoniazid-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (INH-NLCs) were developed and effectively functionalized with mannose (Man) to enhance the residence time of the drug within the lungs via specific delivery and increase the therapeutic efficacy of the formulation. The mannose-functionalized isoniazid-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (Man-INH-NLC) formulation was evaluated with respect to various formulation parameters, namely, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), average particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), in vitro drug release (DR), and release kinetics. The in vitro inhalation behavior of the developed formulation after nebulization was investigated using an Andersen cascade impactor via the estimation of the mass median aerosolized diameter (MMAD) and geometric aerodynamic diameter (GAD) and subsequently found to be suitable for effective lung delivery. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study was carried out in a guinea pig animal model, and it was demonstrated that Man-INH-NLC has a longer residence time in the lungs with improved pharmacokinetics when compared with unfunctionalized INH-NLC, indicating the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of the Man-INH-NLC formulation. Histopathological analysis led us to determine that the extent of tissue damage was more severe in the case of the pure drug solution of isoniazid compared to the Man-INH-NLC formulation after nebulization. Thus, the nebulization of Man-INH-NLC was found to be safe, forming a sound basis for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the drug for improved management in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Naringin: Nanotechnological Strategies for Potential Pharmaceutical Applications

Polyphenols comprise a number of natural substances, such as flavonoids, that show interesting biological effects. Among these substances is naringin, a naturally occurring flavanone glycoside found in citrus fruits and Chinese medicinal herbs. Several studies have shown that naringin has numerous biological properties, including cardioprotective, cholesterol-lowering, anti-Alzheimer’s, nephroprotective, antiageing, antihyperglycemic, antiosteoporotic and gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anticancer and antiulcer effects. Despite its multiple benefits, the clinical application of naringin is severely restricted due to its susceptibility to oxidation, poor water solubility, and dissolution rate. In addition, naringin shows instability at acidic pH, is enzymatically metabolized by β-glycosidase in the stomach and is degraded in the bloodstream when administered intravenously. These limitations, however, have been overcome thanks to the development of naringin nanoformulations. This review summarizes recent research carried out on strategies designed to improve naringin’s bioactivity for potential therapeutic applications.

Superparamagnetic Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized via Green Chemistry for the Potential Treatment of Breast Cancer

In the emerging field of nanomedicine, nanoparticles have been widely considered as drug carriers and are now used in various clinically approved products. Therefore, in this study, we synthesized superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) via green chemistry, and the SPIONs were further coated with tamoxifen-conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA-SPIONs-TMX). The BSA-SPIONs-TMX were within the nanometric hydrodynamic size (117 ± 4 nm), with a small poly dispersity index (0.28 ± 0.02) and zeta potential of -30.2 ± 0.09 mV. FTIR, DSC, X-RD, and elemental analysis confirmed that BSA-SPIONs-TMX were successfully prepared. The saturation magnetization (M_s) of BSA-SPIONs-TMX was found to be ~8.31 emu/g, indicating that BSA-SPIONs-TMX possess superparamagnetic properties for theragnostic applications. In addition, BSA-SPIONs-TMX were efficiently internalized into breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) and were effective in reducing cell proliferation of breast cancer cells, with IC₅₀ values of 4.97 ± 0.42 μM and 6.29 ± 0.21 μM in MCF-7 and T47D cells, respectively. Furthermore, an acute toxicity study on rats confirmed that these BSA-SPIONs-TMX are safe for use in drug delivery systems. In conclusion, green synthesized superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles have the potential to be used as drug delivery carriers and may also have diagnostic applications.

A Pharmaco-Technical Investigation of Thymoquinone and Peat-Sourced Fulvic Acid Nanoemulgel: A Combination Therapy

Thymoquinone has a multitude of pharmacological effects and has been researched for a wide variety of indications, but with limited clinical success. It is associated with pharmaco-technical caveats such as hydrophobicity, high degradation, and a low oral bioavailability. A prudent approach warrants its usage through an alternative dermal route in combination with functional excipients to harness its potential for treating dermal afflictions, such as psoriasis. Henceforth, the present study explores a nanoformulation approach for designing a fulvic acid (peat-sourced)-based thymoquinone nanoemulsion gel (FTQ-NEG) for an enhanced solubility and improved absorption. The excipients, surfactant/co-surfactant, and oil selected for the o/w nanoemulsion (FTQ-NE) are Tween 80/Transcutol-P and kalonji oil. The formulation methodology includes high-energy ultrasonication complemented with a three-dimensional/factorial Box-Behnken design for guided optimization. The surface morphology assessment through scanning/transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy revealed a 100 nm spherical, globule-like structure of the prepared nanoemulsion. Furthermore, the optimized FTQ-NE had a zeta potential of -2.83 ± 0.14 Mv, refractive index of 1.415 ± 0.036, viscosity of 138.5 ± 3.08 mp, and pH of 5.8 ± 0.16, respectively. The optimized FTQ-NE was then formulated as a gel using Carbopol 971^® (1%). The in vitro release analysis of the optimized FTQ-NEG showed a diffusion-dominant drug release (Higuchi model) for 48 h. The drug permeation flux observed for FTQ-NEG (3.64 μg/cm²/h) was much higher compared to that of the pure drug (1.77 mg/cm²/h). The results were further confirmed by confocal microscopy studies, which proved the improved penetration of thymoquinone through mice skin. Long-term stability studies of the purported formulation were also conducted and yielded satisfactory results.

Central Composite Design Implemented Azilsartan Medoxomil Loaded Nanoemulsion to Improve Its Aqueous Solubility and Intestinal Permeability: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation

The present research attempted to design and develop a nanoemulsion formulation of azilsartan medoxomil to improve its aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability. Based on the solubility profile, ethyl oleate, tween 80, and Transcutol P were selected as the oil phase, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. Central composite design (CCD) suggested an optimized azilsartan medoxomil- nanoemulsion formulation (optimized AZL-NE formulation) with 1.25% oil, 15.73% Smix, and 90 s ultrasonication time; it was found to have the droplet size, percentage transmittance, and % cumulative drug release (%CDR) of 71.5 nm, 93.46 ± 1.13%, and 90.14 ± 0.94%, respectively. Furthermore, it exhibited a 0.141 polydispersity index, 34.05 mV zeta potential, a 1.413 ± 0.03 refractive index, 6.68 ± 0.22 pH, 28.17 ± 0.52 cps viscosity, and a 96.98 ± 0.94% percentage drug content. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assessed the nano-sized spherical shape, and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) assessed the solubilization of the drug in the optimized formulation. The %CDR was 1.71 times higher and the % cumulative drug permeation was 2.1 times higher for the optimized AZL-NE formulation than for the drug suspension through an intestinal segment of a rat, which was also supported by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) studies. Thus, the nanoemulsion formulation of azilsartan medoxomil ensured the enhancement of the drug availability in the body.

Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Codelivery of Raloxifene and Naringin: Formulation, Optimization, In Vitro, Ex Vivo, In Vivo Assessment, and Acute Toxicity Studies

This work aimed to develop dual drug-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers of raloxifene and naringin (RLX/NRG NLCs) for breast cancer. RLX/NRG NLCs were prepared using Compritol 888 ATO and oleic acid using a hot homogenization-sonication method and optimized using central composite design (CCD). The optimized RLX/NRG NLCs were characterized and evaluated using multiple technological means. The optimized RLX/NRG NLCs exhibited a particle size of 137.12 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.266, zeta potential (ZP) of 25.9 mV, and entrapment efficiency (EE) of 91.05% (raloxifene) and 85.07% (naringin), respectively. In vitro release (81 ± 2.2% from RLX/NRG NLCs and 31 ± 1.9% from the RLX/NRG suspension for RLX and 93 ± 1.5% from RLX/NRG NLCs and 38 ± 2.01% from the RLX/NRG suspension for NRG within 24 h). Concurrently, an ex vivo permeation study exhibited nearly 2.3 and 2.1-fold improvement in the permeability profiles of RLX and NRG from RLX/NRG NLCs vis-à-vis the RLX/NRG suspension. The depth of permeation was proved with CLSM images which revealed significant permeation of the drug from the RLX/NRG NLCs formulation, 3.5-fold across the intestine, as compared with the RLX/NRG suspension. An in vitro DPPH antioxidant study displayed a better antioxidant potential of RLX/NRG in comparison to RLX and NRG alone due to the synergistic antioxidant effect of RLX and NRG. An acute toxicity study in Wistar rats showed the safety profile of the prepared nanoformulations and their excipients. Our findings shed new light on how poorly soluble and poorly permeable medicines can be codelivered using NLCs in an oral nanoformulation to improve their medicinal performance.