EVALUATION OF ANTI-CANDIDAL EFFICACY OF FREE AND MICROSPHERE ENCAPSULATED THYMOQUINONE

Iswarya S. Vinodhini, S., Deivanai, K., and A. Gnanamani*

ABSTRACT

Nigella sativa, an annual medicinal plant is traditionally used in different parts of world for many centuries due to its potential health benefits. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the bio-active component of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) seeds exhibits various beneficial properties. The present study explores the extraction of thymoquinone from seeds of Nigella sativa, purified and characterized. The purified compound was then encapsulated in chitosan microspheres and the encapsulated TQ was characterized using SEM, DLS, AFM and FTIR instrumental techniques. The process of encapsulation followed in the present study does not require glutaraldehyde for stabilization of microspheres. Anti-candidal activity of both free and encapsulated TQ was studied using standard protocol. Minimum inhibitory concentration of free TQ was determined as 1500 μg and it was 500μg for encapsulated TQ. The kinetics of release studies followed zero order.

Keywords: Thymoquinone, Antifungal activity, Antimicrobial agents, Microspheres, Nigella sativa.