Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy, cilt.55, sa.3, ss.352-365, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)
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.