Thymoquinone-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 as a novel treatment agent in a reserpine-induced depression animal model

Self-micellizing solid dispersion of thymoquinone with enhanced biopharmaceutical and nephroprotective effects

The present study was designed to develop a self-micellizing solid dispersion (SMSD) containing Thymoquinone (TQM), a phytonutrient obtained from Nigella sativa seeds, aiming to improve its biopharmaceutical and nephroprotective functions. The apparent solubility of TQM in polymer solutions was used to choose an appropriate amphiphilic polymer that could be used to make an SMSD system. Based on the apparent solubility, Soluplus® was selected as an appropriate carrier, and mixing with TQM, SMSD-TQM with different loadings of TQM (5-15%) was made by solvent evaporation and freeze-drying techniques, respectively, and the formulations were optimized. The optimized SMSD-TQM was evaluated in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, release characteristics, pharmacokinetic behavior, and nephroprotective effects in a rat model of acute kidney injury. SMSD-TQM significantly improved the dissolution characteristics (97.8%) of TQM in water within 60 min. Oral administration of SMSD-TQM in rats exhibited a 4.9-fold higher systemic exposure than crystalline TQM. In a cisplatin-induced (6 mg/kg, i.p.) acute kidney-damaged rat model, oral SMSD-TQM (10 mg/kg) improved the nephroprotective effects of TQM based on the results of kidney biomarkers and histological abnormalities. These findings suggest that SMSD-TQM might be efficacious in enhancing the nephroprotective effect of TQM by overcoming biopharmaceutical limitations.

Therapeutic potential of thymoquinone and its nanoformulations in neuropsychological disorders: a comprehensive review on molecular mechanisms in preclinical studies

Thymoquinone (THQ) and its nanoformulation (NFs) have emerged as promising candidates for the treatment of neurological diseases due to their diverse pharmacological properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we conducted an extensive search across reputable scientific websites such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar to gather relevant information. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of THQ have been observed to enhance the survival of neurons in affected areas of the brain, leading to significant improvements in behavioral and motor dysfunctions. Moreover, THQ and its NFs have demonstrated the capacity to restore antioxidant enzymes and mitigate oxidative stress. The primary mechanism underlying THQ's antioxidant effects involves the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, THQ has been found to modulate key components of inflammatory signaling pathways, including toll-like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review explores the various beneficial effects of THQ and its NFs on neurological disorders and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms involved.

Cerebrolysin potentiates the antidepressant effect of lithium in a rat model of depression

RATIONALE

Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide. Although numerous antidepressant treatments are available, there is a serious clinical concern due to their severe side effects and the fact that some depressed patients are resistant to them. Lithium is the drug of choice for bipolar depression and has been used as adjunct therapy with other groups of antidepressants.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to investigate the effect of lithium augmentation with cerebrolysin on the neurochemical, behavioral and histopathological alterations induced in the reserpine model of depression.

METHODS

The animals were divided into control and reserpine-induced model of depression. The model animals were further divided into rat model of depression, rat model treated with lithium, rat model treated with cerebrolysin and rat model treated with a combination of lithium and cerebrolysin.

RESULTS

Treatment with lithium, cerebrolysin, or their combination alleviated most of the changes in behavior, oxidative stress parameters, acetylcholinesterase and monoamines in the cortex and hippocampus of the reserpine-induced model of depression. It also improved the alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and histopathology induced by reserpine.

CONCLUSIONS

The augmentation of lithium with cerebrolysin showed a clear beneficial effect in the present model of depression suggesting the use of cerebrolysin as an adjuvant in antidepressant treatment.

Polysorbate 80 surface modified PLGA nanoparticles: an in-vitro evaluation of cellular uptake and cytotoxicity on neuro-2a cells

AIM

Present study focuses on the development of P80 coated PLGA Nanoparticles loaded with drugs, paroxetine (P80-Par-PLGA-NPs) and clonidine (P80-CLD-PLGA-NPs) for in-vitro evaluation of Cellular Uptake & Cytotoxicity on Neuro-2a cells.

METHOD

P80-Par-PLGA-NPs and P80-CLD-PLGA-NPs were developed and characterised for zeta size, potential, PDI, EE%, DL%, TEM, SEM, FTIR, DSC, in-vitro release, cytotoxicity, histopathological and cell uptake studies using rhodamine loaded P80-NPs.

RESULT

Mean particle diameter of P80-Par-PLGA-NPs and P80-CLD-PLGA-NPs was 204; 182.7 nm, ZP of -21.8; -18.72 mV and 0.275; 0.341 PDI, respectively. TEM and SEM images revealed homogenous surface morphology. In-vitro drug release showed sustained and complete release in 72 h. Cell viability (>90%) at Cmax and no cytotoxicity in histopathology was observed. Significant higher uptake (96.9%) of P80-modified-NPS was observed as compared to unmodified-NPs (81%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The finding clearly indicated a higher cell uptake of drugs via surface modified P80-coated PLGA-NPs as compared to unmodified particles.

Emerging strategies to fabricate polymeric nanocarriers for enhanced drug delivery across blood-brain barrier: An overview

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as an essential interface between central nervous system (CNS) and its periphery, allowing selective permeation of ions, gaseous molecules, and other nutrients to maintain metabolic functions of brain. Concurrently, it restricts passage of unsolicited materials from bloodstream to CNS which could otherwise lead to neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and other brain cancers, drugs must reach CNS. Among various materials developed for this purpose, a few judiciously selected polymeric nanocarriers are reported to be highly prospective to facilitate BBB permeation. However, the challenge of transporting drug-loaded nanomaterials across this barrier remains formidable. Herein a concise analysis of recently employed strategies for designing polymeric nanocarriers to deliver therapeutics across BBB is presented. Impacts of 3Ss, namely, size, shape, and surface charge of polymeric nanocarriers on BBB permeation along with different ligands used for nanoparticle surface modification to achieve targeted delivery have been scrutinized. Finally, we elucidated future research directions in the context of designing smart polymeric nanocarriers for BBB permeation. This work aims to guide researchers engaged in polymeric nanocarrier design, helping them navigate where to begin, what challenges to address, and how to proceed effectively.

Cellular, Molecular, Pharmacological, and Nano-Formulation Aspects of Thymoquinone-A Potent Natural Antiviral Agent

The goal of an antiviral agent research is to find an antiviral drug that reduces viral growth without harming healthy cells. Transformations of the virus, new viral strain developments, the resistance of viral pathogens, and side effects are the current challenges in terms of discovering antiviral drugs. The time has come and it is now essential to discover a natural antiviral agent that has the potential to destroy viruses without causing resistance or other unintended side effects. The pharmacological potency of thymoquinone (TQ) against different communicable and non-communicable diseases has been proven by various studies, and TQ is considered to be a safe antiviral substitute. Adjunctive immunomodulatory effects in addition to the antiviral potency of TQ makes it a major compound against viral infection through modulating the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, decreasing the cytokine storm, and inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, TQ's low oral bioavailability, short half-life, poor water solubility, and conventional formulation are barriers to achieving its optimal pharmacologic benefits. Nano-formulation proposes numerous ways to overcome these obstacles through a small particle size, a big surface area, and a variety of surface modifications. Nano-based pharmaceutical innovations to combat viral infections using TQ are a promising approach to treating surmounting viral infections.

How to Develop Drug Delivery System Based on Carbohydrate Nanoparticles Targeted to Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are the most difficult to treat, not only because of the variety of their forms and the small number of effective chemotherapeutic agents capable of suppressing tumor cells, but also limited by poor drug transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles are promising drug delivery solutions promoted by the expansion of nanotechnology, emerging in the creation and practical use of materials in the range from 1 to 500 nm. Carbohydrate-based nanoparticles is a unique platform for active molecular transport and targeted drug delivery, providing biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a reduction in toxic side effects. However, the design and fabrication of biopolymer colloidal nanomaterials have been and remain highly challenging to date. Our review is devoted to the description of carbohydrate nanoparticle synthesis and modification, with a brief overview of the biological and promising clinical outcomes. We also expect this manuscript to highlight the great potential of carbohydrate nanocarriers for drug delivery and targeted treatment of gliomas of various grades and glioblastomas, as the most aggressive of brain tumors.

Utilization of Nanotechnology to Improve Bone Health in Osteoporosis Exploiting Nigella sativa and Its Active Constituent Thymoquinone

Osteoporosis, a chronic bone disorder, is one of the leading causes of fracture and morbidity risk. Numerous medicinally important herbs have been evaluated for their efficacy in improving bone mass density in exhaustive preclinical and limited clinical studies. Nigella sativa L. has been used as local folk medicine, and traditional healers have used it to manage various ailments. Its reported beneficial effects include controlling bone and joint diseases. The present manuscript aimed to provide a sound discussion on the pharmacological evidence of N. sativa and its active constituent, thymoquinone, for its utility in the effective management of osteoporosis. N. sativa is reported to possess anti-IL-1 and anti-TNF-α-mediated anti-inflammatory effects, leading to positive effects on bone turnover markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. It is reported to stimulate bone regeneration by prompting osteoblast proliferation, ossification, and decreasing osteoclast cells. Thymoquinone from N. sativa has exhibited an antioxidant effect on bone tissue by reducing the FeNTA-induced oxidative stress. The present manuscript highlights phytochemistry, pharmacological effect, and the important mechanistic perspective of N. sativa and its active constituents for the management of osteoporosis. Further, it also provides sound discussion on the utilization of a nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery approach as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic performance of N. sativa and its active constituent, thymoquinone, in the effective management of osteoporosis.

Medicinal plants' proposed nanocomposites for the management of endocrine disorders

Extensive attention has been focused on herbal medicine for the treatment of different endocrine disorders. In fact, compelling scientific evidence indicates that natural compounds might act as endocrine modulators by mimicking, stimulating, or inhibiting the actions of different hormones, such as thyroid, sex, steroidal, and glucose regulating hormones. These potentials might be effectively employed for therapeutic purposes related to the endocrine system as novel complementary choices. Nevertheless, despite the remarkable therapeutic effects, inadequate targeting efficiency and low aqueous solubility of the bioactive components are still essential challenges in their clinical accreditation. On the other hand, nanotechnology has pushed the wheels of combining inorganic nanoparticles with biological structures of medicinal bioactive compounds as one of the utmost exciting fields of research. Nanoparticle conjugations create an inclusive array of applications that provide greater compliance, higher bioavailability, and lower dosage. This can safeguard the global availability of these wealthy natural sources, regardless of their biological occurrence. This review inspects future challenges of medicinal plants in various endocrine disorders for safe and alternative treatments with examples of their nanoparticle formulations.

Herceptin-conjugated magnetic polystyrene-Agsbox nanoparticles as a theranostic agent for breast cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor, which has derived from cells of the breast. Further, a relatively rapid metastasis, and resistance development against all the conventional drug combinations are major clinical issues in breast cancer patients as well as limitations like toxicity, genetic mutation, and metastasis make difficult the use of conventional therapy methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and local surgery. Therefore, considering the urgent needs, and high death rate in breast cancer cases, the development of new diagnosis and treatment regimens which diagnosed at the early stage and protected normal tissues required for clinical applications. Recently, the combination of tumor diagnosis and treatment within a single platform is a novel perspective, and magnetic nanoparticles are potential candidate owing to their low toxic effect, biocompatibility, biological degradability, superior magnetic properties, and targeting ability to overcome the problems of conventional diagnosis and therapy techniques. Considering these restrictions and requirements, the goal of this research was to investigate the potential of an innovative theranostic agent, which is soybean oil-based polystyrene (PS)-g-soybean oil graft copolymer containing AgNPs (PS-Agsbox) for treatment and MRI-based diagnosis of cancer. Herein, we designed targeted magnetic PS-Agsbox nanoparticles carrying thymoquinone (TQ) that is known for its anticancer potential against breast cancer, and herceptin (HER), which is to bind to the HER2 receptor protein on the surface of HER2-positive tumor cells, and acts by blocking the effects of it. We have successfully demonstrated selective binding, effective uptake of HER-conjugated magnetic PS-Agsbox nanoparticles into MDA-MB-231 (human breast carcinoma cells, a HER2-underexpressing cell line) and SKBR-3 (human breast cancer cells, a HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line) cell lines while no effect against L929 (mouse fibroblast cell line). Moreover, the magnetic resonance (MRI) properties of HER-conjugated magnetic PS-Agsbox nanoparticles were also confirmed.

Thymoquinone-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as Natural Preservative Agent in Cosmetic Products

The current status of controversy regarding the use of certain preservatives in cosmetic products makes it necessary to seek new ecological alternatives that are free of adverse effects on users. In our study, the natural terpene thymoquinone was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS and TEM, showing a particle size of 20 nm. The chemical structure, thermal properties, and release profile of thymoquinone were evaluated and showed a successful stabilization and sustained release of terpenes. The antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated against typical microbial contaminants found in cosmetic products, showing high antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, natural moisturizing cream inoculated with the aforementioned microorganisms was formulated with thymoquinone-chitosan nanoparticles to evaluate the preservative efficiency, indicating its promising use as a preservative in cosmetics.

Smart and pH-sensitive rGO/Arabinoxylan/chitosan composite for wound dressing: In-vitro drug delivery, antibacterial activity, and biological activities

Carbohydrate polymers are biological macromolecules that have sparked a lot of interest in wound healing due to their outstanding antibacterial properties and sustained drug release. Arabinoxylan (ARX), Chitosan (CS), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets were combined and crosslinked using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a crosslinker to fabricate composite hydrogels and assess their potential in wound dressing for skin wound healing. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and biological assays were used to evaluate the composite hydrogels. FTIR validated the effective fabrication of the composite hydrogels. The rough morphologies of the composite hydrogels were revealed by SEM and AFM (as evident from the Ra values). ATC-4 was discovered to have the roughest surface. TEM revealed strong homogeneous anchoring of the rGO to the polymer matrix. However, with higher amount of rGO agglomeration was detected. The % swelling at various pHs (1-13) revealed that the hydrogels were pH-sensitive. The controlled release profile for the antibacterial drug (Silver sulfadiazine) evaluated at various pH values (4.5, 6.8, and 7.4) in PBS solution and 37 °C using the Franz diffusion method revealed maximal drug release at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. The antibacterial efficacy of the composite hydrogels against pathogens that cause serious skin diseases varied. The MC3T3-E1 cell adhered, proliferated, and differentiated well on the composite hydrogels. MC3T3-E1 cell also illustrated excellent viability (91%) and proper cylindrical morphologies on the composite hydrogels. Hence, the composite hydrogels based on ARX, CS, and rGO are promising biomaterials for treating and caring for skin wounds.

Bioactivity of Chitosan-Based Particles Loaded with Plant-Derived Extracts for Biomedical Applications: Emphasis on Antimicrobial Fiber-Based Systems

Marine-derived chitosan (CS) is a cationic polysaccharide widely studied for its bioactivity, which is mostly attached to its primary amine groups. CS is able to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the microenvironments in which it is integrated, consequently reducing cell-induced oxidative stress. It also acts as a bacterial peripheral layer hindering nutrient intake and interacting with negatively charged outer cellular components, which lead to an increase in the cell permeability or to its lysis. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of processability (particularly in mild conditions), and chemical versatility has fueled CS study as a valuable matrix component of bioactive small-scaled organic drug-delivery systems, with current research also showcasing CS’s potential within tridimensional sponges, hydrogels and sutures, blended films, nanofiber sheets and fabric coatings. On the other hand, renewable plant-derived extracts are here emphasized, given their potential as eco-friendly radical scavengers, microbicidal agents, or alternatives to antibiotics, considering that most of the latter have induced bacterial resistance because of excessive and/or inappropriate use. Loading them into small-scaled particles potentiates a strong and sustained bioactivity, and a controlled release, using lower doses of bioactive compounds. A pH-triggered release, dependent on CS’s protonation/deprotonation of its amine groups, has been the most explored stimulus for that control. However, the use of CS derivatives, crosslinking agents, and/or additional stabilization processes is enabling slower release rates, following extract diffusion from the particle matrix, which can find major applicability in fiber-based systems within ROS-enriched microenvironments and/or spiked with microbes. Research on this is still in its infancy. Yet, the few published studies have already revealed that the composition, along with an adequate drug release rate, has an important role in controlling an existing infection, forming new tissue, and successfully closing a wound. A bioactive finishing of textiles has also been promoting high particle infiltration, superior washing durability, and biological response.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety

Mounting evidence support the potential benefits of functional foods or nutraceuticals for human health and diseases. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), a highly valued nutraceutical herb with a wide array of health benefits, has attracted growing interest from health-conscious individuals, the scientific community, and pharmaceutical industries. The pleiotropic pharmacological effects of black cumin, and its main bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ), have been manifested by their ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation, and to promote immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, cancer, and so on. Furthermore, black cumin acts as an antidote, mitigating various toxicities and drug-induced side effects. Despite significant advances in pharmacological benefits, this miracle herb and its active components are still far from their clinical application. This review begins with highlighting the research trends in black cumin and revisiting phytochemical profiles. Subsequently, pharmacological attributes and health benefits of black cumin and TQ are critically reviewed. We overview molecular pharmacology to gain insight into the underlying mechanism of health benefits. Issues related to pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions, drug delivery, and safety are also addressed. Identifying knowledge gaps, our current effort will direct future research to advance potential applications of black cumin and TQ in health and diseases.

Facile preparation of pH-sensitive chitosan microspheres for delivery of curcumin; characterization, drug release kinetics and evaluation of anticancer activity

Curcumin (CUR) is a lowly water-soluble natural polyphenol with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. Hence, to achieve the system with good CUR loading ability, porous MIL-88 (Fe) was prepared in the presence of the presynthesized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) (GQDs@MIL-88 (Fe)). In the following, CUR loaded in the fabricated GQDs@MIL-88 (Fe) nanohybrid. The characterization techniques; Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis showed success in the synthesis of GQDs@MIL-88 (Fe). Moreover, the FT-IR analysis displayed the loading of CUR and the formation of CUR@GQDs@MIL-88(Fe). Chitosan (CS) was used as a green coating to enhance the biocompatibility of the prepared system (CS/CUR@GQDs@MIL-88(Fe). The fabricated microspheres showed pH-sensitive swelling behavior and released 38.3% of CUR in pH 5.0 which is better fitted with the First-order kinetic model (R² = 0.9726). In comparison with CUR@GQDs@MIL-88(Fe), the MTT and DAPI assay exhibited less toxic effect for CS/CUR@GQDs@MIL-88(Fe) against MDA-MB 231 cells. Moreover, the safety of the CS/CUR@GQDs@MIL-88(Fe) confirmed after incubation against MCF 10A as a model of the normal cell line. The results conveyed a new concept that the CS/CUR@GQDs@MIL-88(Fe) is a potential candidate for using as a biocompatible carrier with controlled drug delivery ability.