Characterization, in-vitro digestion, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic and antibacterial activities of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim essential oil nano-emulsion

A stable nano-emulsion was successfully prepared using Tween 80 (T-80) as an emulsifier, so as to overcome the defects of the Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim essential oil (ZMEO) and improve its bioavailability. This study investigated the physical properties and biological activities of the ZMEO-NE, including rheological characteristics, particle size, in-vitro digestion, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemia, and antibacterial activity. The ZMEO-NE was a non-Newtonian fluid with an average particle size less than 150 nm, and remained stable in the oral environment, but was successively digested and decomposed in the gastrointestinal environment. In addition, the ZMEO-NE had significant antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and antibacterial activities, and the antibacterial mechanism was that the disrupted cell membranes of bacteria led to bacterial death. Therefore, the ZMEO-NE can be applied as a natural antioxidant or preservative for food preservation, and also have potential value in treating hyperlipidemia.