Design and Optimisation of a Biosurfactant-Synthetic Surfactant Hybrid Nanoemulgel Containing Lemon Balm and Star Anise Essential Oils: Stability, Cytotoxicity, and Antiviral Activity Against HSV-1

Year 2025, Volume: 55 Issue: 3, 352 - 365, 14.01.2026

Ebru Altuntaş , Tuğba Kaman , Zakaria Ouzaid Merve Yılmaz Hasan Sercan Palancı , Mustafa Altındiş , Sibel Yavru

https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1677873

https://izlik.org/JA86YC95ML

Abstract

Background and Aims: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread herpetic pathogen responsible for recurring mucocutaneous infections that are frequently debilitating and difficult to treat. The objective of this work was to design and study the efficiency of a biosurfactant–synthetic surfactant hybrid nanoemulgel (NEG) system with antiviral activity against HSV-1 using Melissa officinalis and Illicium verum essential oils.

Methods: Nanoemulsions (NEs) were prepared through ultrasonic emulsification and stabilised using Quillaja saponaria saponins and Kolliphor® P 188. Selected NEs were mixed into xanthan gum-based gels to create NEGs. The formulations were assessed for their physicochemical properties, rheological behaviour, and stability. The CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity on Vero cells. The antiviral activity against HSV-1 was assessed by measuring the tissue culture infectious dose 50% (TCID₅₀) values.

Results: Optimized NEGs demonstrated stable nano-sized droplets, a negative zeta potential, shear-thinning rheology, and preserved structural integrity throughout a 3-month storage duration. Both test (T) and placebo (P) formulations demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity; however, T exhibited marginally lower cytotoxicity across all dilutions. Antiviral studies demonstrated that T significantly decreased the HSV-1 titre by 17.78-fold at a 1/2000 dilution compared with the untreated control, whereas P resulted in only a 1.77-fold reduction, thereby confirming the role of essential oils in antiviral efficacy.

Conclusion: The developed NEG incorporating essential oils from Melissa officinalis and Illicium verum demonstrated notable antiviral activity against HSV-1, along with satisfactory cytocompatibility. The results indicate its potential effectiveness as a topical antiviral treatment for managing HSV-1 infections.

Keywords

Antiviral Activity , Essential Oils , Herpes Simplex Virus , Melissa officinalis , Nanoemulgel , Star Anise

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