Simultaneous extraction and obtention of a novel nano-dispersion from Mikania glomerata Spreng: Monitoring coumarin content and increasing the biological and industrial potential of a classical cultivated herb

Abstract Guaco is a traditional medicinal plant that was not previously object of studies within this area, despite its great commercial importance and crop production. To our knowledge, few efforts were carried out for a method that simultaneously extract plant material and generate nano-dispersions. Extraction of leaves with surfactant aqueous solutions allowed obtention of nano-dispersions with mean droplet size and polydispersity index below 300 nm and 0.3, respectively. Zeta potential was around – 30 mV. Chemical analysis indicated that guaco chemical marker (coumarin) was extracted. Guaco nano-dispersion was considered effective against cytotoxic effects induced by cyclophosphamide and significantly reduced micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes frequency. Moreover, it presented improved bioactivity, when compared to guaco ethanolic extract obtained by classical method. Considering the several advantages of simultaneous extraction/nanoformulation methodology, including reducing costs and quickness of nano-dispersion preparation, the present study successfully used a simple, low-energy method and ecofriendly approach.