Transfersome-based delivery of Muntingia calabura fruit extract for anti-aging applications

Muntingia calabura fruit (MCF) demonstrates anti-aging properties for use in cosmetics. To improve the effectiveness of MCF, a delivery system such as transfersomes is necessary to effectively traverse the membrane and reach the target. This study aims to develop cosmetics suitable for skin application as anti-aging candidates. MCF extract was modified as transfersomes and physically characterized, including particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and nanomorphological shape by SEM. The optimal transfersomes were formulated into cream preparations and evaluated for physical characteristics, release studies, in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy, and dermatokinetic studies. The results showed that 17 transfersome formulas (F1-F17) were successfully designed and had an average particle size (290.17 ± 66.13 nm), PDI (0.50 ± 0.18), zeta potential (−40.83 ± 8.98), and entrapment efficiency (96.48 ± 0.25 %). It was found that F1 and F4 met the criteria of spherical transfersome morphology and were ideal to be continued into cream preparations. The results of physical evaluation showed good characteristics (organoleptic, homogeneity, pH value, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion time). The highest cumulative amount and diffusion rate were shown in F4 cream (1968.5 ± 62.77 and 8.202 ± 0.78 μg/cm2.min). In-vitro studies (DPPH radical, tyrosinase, elastase) showed inhibition in the range of >40–70 % (at 120 min), and in-vivo studies (F4) inhibited the decrease in collagen thickness and increased TGF-β1 expression. F4 also showed the best dermatokinetic profile (Cmax of 195.9 ± 2.734 μg/mL) on application for 2 h (Tmax). This study has scientifically proven that the MCF-transfersome cream has optimal penetration, physical characteristics, scalability, and flexibility in design, and it is a potentially effective topical anti-aging agent.