Nanoformulated natural therapeutics for management of streptozotocin-induced diabetes: potential use of curcumin nanoformulation

Unlocking the potential of flavonoid-infused drug delivery systems for diabetic wound healing with a mechanistic exploration

Diabetes is one of the common endocrine disorders generally characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar. It can originate either from the inability of the pancreas to synthesize insulin, which is considered as an autoimmune disorder, or the reduced production of insulin, considered as insulin resistivity. A wound can be defined as a condition of damage to living tissues including skin, mucous membrane and other organs as well. Wounds get complicated with respect to time based on specific processes like diabetes mellitus, obesity and immunocompromised conditions. Proper growth and functionality of the epidermis gets sustained due to impaired diabetic wound healing which shows a sign of dysregulated wound healing process. In comparison with synthetic medications, phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and glycosides have gained enormous importance relying on their distinct potential to heal diabetic wounds. Flavonoids are one of the most promising and important groups of natural compounds which can be used to treat acute as well as chronic wounds. Flavonoids show excellent properties due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in their chemical structure, which makes this class of compounds different from others. Based on the novel principles of nanotechnology via utilizing suitable drug delivery systems, the delivery of bioactive constituents from plant source amplifies the wound-healing mechanism, minimizes complexities and enhances bioavailability. Hence, the encapsulation and applicability of flavonoids with an emphasis on mechanistic route and wound-healing therapeutics have been highlighted in the subsequent study with focus on multiple drug delivery systems.

Therapeutic application of natural compounds for skeletal muscle-associated metabolic disorders: A review on diabetes perspective

Skeletal muscle (SM) plays a vital role in energy and glucose metabolism by regulating insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and blood glucose homeostasis. Impaired SM metabolism is strongly linked to several diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D). Insulin resistance in SM may result from the impaired activities of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, insulin receptor substrate 1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and AKT pathways. This review briefly discusses SM myogenesis and the critical roles that SM plays in insulin resistance and T2D. The pharmacological targets of T2D which are associated with SM metabolism, such as DPP4, PTB1B, SGLT, PPARγ, and GLP-1R, and their potential modulators/inhibitors, especially natural compounds, are discussed in detail. This review highlights the significance of SM in metabolic disorders and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in targeting SM-associated T2D targets. It may provide novel insights for the future development of anti-diabetic drug therapies. We believe that scientists working on T2D therapies will benefit from this review by enhancing their knowledge and updating their understanding of the subject.

Nanocarrier-mediated curcumin delivery: An adjuvant strategy for CNS disease treatment

Neurological disorders are a major global challenge, which counts for a substantial slice of disease burden around the globe. In these, the challenging landscape of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuro-AIDS, demands innovative and novel therapeutic approaches. Curcumin, a versatile natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shows great potential as a CNS adjuvant therapy. However, its limited bioavailability and suboptimal permeability to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hamper the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin. This review explores how nanocarrier facilitates curcumin delivery, which has shown therapeutic efficacy for various non-CNS diseases, for example, cancers, and can also revolutionize the treatment outcomes in patients with CNS diseases. Toward this, intranasal administration of curcumin as a non-invasive CNS drug delivery route can also aid its therapeutic outcomes as an adjuvant therapy for CNS diseases. Intranasal delivery of nanocarriers with curcumin improves the bioavailability of curcumin and its BBB permeability, which is instrumental in promoting its therapeutic potential. Furthermore, curcumin's inhibitory effect on efflux transporters will help to enhance the BBB and cellular permeability of various CNS drugs. The therapeutic potential of curcumin as an adjuvant has the potential to yield synergistic effects with CNS drugs and will help to reduce CNS drug doses and improve their safety profile. Taken together, this approach holds a promise for reshaping CNS disease management by maximizing curcumin's and other drugs' therapeutic benefits.

Statistical optimization of tetrahydrocurcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Box Behnken design in the management of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

In the past, curcumin was the go-to medication for diabetes, but recent studies have shown that tetrahydrocurcumin is more effective. The problem is that it's not very soluble in water or very bioavailable. So, our research aims to increase the bioavailability and anti-diabetic efficacy of tetrahydrocurcumin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by synthesizing tetrahydrocurcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles. Box Behnken Design was employed for the optimization of tetrahydrocurcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (THC-SLNs). The optimal formulation was determined by doing an ANOVA to examine the relationship between the independent variables (drug-to-lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, and co-surfactant concentration) and the dependent variables (particle size, percent entrapment efficiency, and PDI). Particle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency all showed statistical significance based on F-values and p-values. The optimized batch was prepared using a drug-to-lipid ratio (1:4.16), 1.21% concentration of surfactant, and 0.4775% co-surfactant (observed with a particle size of 147.1 nm, 83.58 ± 0.838 % entrapment efficiency, and 0.265 PDI, and the values were found very close with the predicted ones. As the THC peak vanishes from the DSC thermogram of the improved formulation, this indicates that the drug has been transformed from its crystalline form into its amorphous state. TEM analysis of optimized formulation demonstrated mono-dispersed particles with an average particle size of 145 nm which are closely related to zetasizer's results. In-vitro release study of optimized formulation demonstrated burst release followed by sustained release up to 71.04% throughout 24 hrs. Increased bioavailability of the adjusted THC-SLN was found in an in vivo pharmacokinetics research with 9.47 folds higher AUC(0-t) compared to plain THC-suspension. Additionally, pharmacodynamic experiments of optimized formulation demonstrated a marked decrease in blood glucose level to 63.7% and increased body weight from 195.8 ± 7.223 to 231.2 ± 7.653 on the 28th day of the study and showed a better anti-diabetic effect than plain drug suspension. Results of stability studies revealed that formulation can be stored for longer periods at room temperature. Tetrahydrocurcumin can be effectively administered by SLN for the treatment of diabetes.

Recent advances in curcumin-based nanoformulations in diabetes

Diabetes is predicted to affect 700 million people by the year 2045. Despite the potential benefits for diabetics, curcumin's low bioavailability significantly reduces its utility. However, newer formulation methods of decreasing particle size, such as through nanotechnological advances, may improve curcumin's bioavailability and cell-absorption properties. Various curcumin nanoformulations such as nanofibers, nanoparticles-like nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (S-SNEDDS), and nanohydrogels have been evaluated. These studies reported increased bioavailability of nanoformulated curcumin compared to free curcumin. Here, we provide a detailed review of the antidiabetic effects of nanocurcumin compounds and subsequent effects on diabetic complications. Overall, various nanocurcumin formulations highly increase curcumin water-solubility and bioavailability, and these safe formulations can positively affect managing some diabetes-related manifestations and complications. Moreover, nanocurcumin efficacy in various diabetes complications is discussed. These complications included inflammation, neuropathy, depression, anxiety, keratopathy, cataract, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction (MI), nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic wound. Moreover, several nanocurcumin formulations improved wound healing in the diabetic. However, few studies have been performed in humans, and most results have been reported from cellular and animal studies. Therefore, more human studies are needed to prove the antidiabetic effects of nanocurcumin.

Preparation of Seaweed Nanopowder Particles Using Planetary Ball Milling and Their Effects on Some Secondary Metabolites in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seedlings

Due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics, nanoparticles have recently emerged as pioneering materials in agricultural research. In this work, nanopowders (NP) of seaweed (Turbinaria triquetra) were prepared using the planetary ball milling procedure. The prepared nanopowders from marine seaweed were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). When the seaweed nanopowder of Turbinaria triquetra was subjected to FT-IR analysis, it revealed the presence of different functional groups, including alkane, carboxylic acids, alcohol, alkenes and aromatics. Moreover, the methanol extract was used to identify the polyphenolic components in seaweed (NP) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the extract revealed the presence of a number of important compounds such as daidzein and quercetin. Moreover, the pot experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of prepared seaweed (NP) as an enhancer for the growth of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The date palm seedlings received four NP doses, bi-distilled water was applied as the control and doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg L^-1 of seaweed liquid NP were used (referred to as T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Foliar application of liquid NP was applied two times per week within a period of 30 days. Leaf area, number of branches, dry weight, chlorophylls, total soluble sugars and some other secondary metabolites were determined. Our results indicated that the foliar application of liquid NP at T3 enhanced the growth parameters of the date palm seedlings. Additionally, liquid NP at T3 and T4 significantly increased the photosynthetic pigments. The total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activities were stimulated by NP foliar application. Moreover, the data showed that the T3 and T4 doses enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX or PPO) compared to other treatments. Therefore, the preparation of seaweed NP using the planetary ball milling method could produce an eco-friendly and cost- effective material for sustainable agriculture and could be an interesting way to create a nanofertilizer that mitigates plant growth.

Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin in Diabetes: A Review and Perspective

Diabetes is a metabolic disease with multifactorial causes which requires lifelong drug therapy as well as lifestyle changes. There is now growing scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of the use of herbal supplements in the prevention and control of diabetes. Curcumin is one of the most studied bioactive components of traditional medicine, but its physicochemical characteristics are represented by low solubility, poor absorption, and low efficacy. Nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical formulations can help overcome the problems of reduced bioavailability of curcumin and increase its antidiabetic effects. The objectives of this review were to review the effects of nanocurcumin on DM and to search for databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect. The results showed that the antidiabetic activity of nanocurcumin is due to complex pharmacological mechanisms by reducing the characteristic hyperglycemia of DM. In light of these results, nanocurcumin may be considered as potential agent in the pharmacotherapeutic management of patients with diabetes.

Novel doxorubicin / folate-targeted trans-ferulic acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles combination: In-vivo superiority over standard chemotherapeutic regimen for breast cancer treatment

AIM

Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide (AC) is one of the standard adjuvant anthracycline-containing regimens that is still in use for breast cancer treatment. Cancer cell resistance and AC-induced side effects make treatment suboptimal and worsen patients' quality of life. This study aimed to improve trans-ferulic acid's (TFA) efficiency via loading into folate-receptor-targeted-poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (FA-PLGA-TFA NPs). Also, investigating both the antitumor efficacy of Doxorubicin (Dox)/FA-PLGA-TFA NPs combination against dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer and its safety profile.

METHODS

FA-PLGA-TFA NPs were optimally fabricated and characterized. Levels of Notch1, Hes1, Wnt-3a, β-catenin, MMP-9, cyclin D1, Permeability-Glycoprotein (P-gp), ERα, PR, and HER2 were assessed as a measure of the antitumor efficacy of different treatment protocols. Histopathological examination of heart and bone, levels of ALT, AST, ALP, CK-MB, and WBCs count were evaluated to ensure the combination's safety profile.

KEY FINDINGS

Dox/FA-PLGA-TFA NPs not only inhibited Notch signaling but also suppressed Notch synergy with Wnt, estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 pathways. Interestingly, Dox/FA-PLGA-TFA NPs decreased P-gp level and preserved heart, bone, and liver health as well as WBCs count.

SIGNIFICANCE

Dox/FA-PLGA-TFA NPs reduced the side-effects of each single drug, and at the same time exerted excellent antitumor activity that surpass the AC regimen in evading cancer cell resistance and having a superior safety profile.

Curcumin nanoformulations to combat aging-related diseases

Aging increases the susceptibility to a diverse set of diseases and disorders, including neurodegeneration, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Natural compounds are currently being explored as alternative or complementary agents to treat or prevent aging-related malfunctions. Curcumin, a phytochemical isolated from the spice turmeric, has garnered great interest in recent years. With anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and other physiological activities, curcumin has great potential for health applications. However, the benefits of curcumin are restricted by its low bioavailability and stability in biological systems. Curcumin nanoformulations, or nano-curcumin, may overcome these limitations. This review discusses different forms of nano-curcumin that have been evaluated in vitro and in vivo to treat or prevent aging-associated health impairments. We describe current barriers for the routine use of curcumin nanoformulations in the clinic. Our review highlights outstanding questions and future work that is needed to ensure nano-curcumin is efficient and safe to lessen the burden of aging-related health problems.

Recent update on nano-phytopharmaceuticals in the management of diabetes

Due to changed lifestyle and other reasons, diabetes has become one of the common metabolic disorder of the globe. Numerous therapeutic options are available, which controls the plasma glucose levels. However, most of the drugs are associated with some undesired side effects. Owing to the side effects and enhanced understanding of the phytochemicals, an inclination toward herbal medicine is seen in the population. These herbal products are also associated with concerns like poor aqueous solubility, compromised permeation, and a low degree of bioavailability. So, the emergence of nanotechnology in the herbal medicine is required to nullify the associated concerns of conventional antidiabetic drugs. The present review aims to compile the literature available for the nano-interventions pertinent to herbal products for diabetes management.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in the Management of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus: Application of Central Composite Design

Due to poor bioavailability and chemical instability, the effectiveness of curcumin is negligible in the treatment of numerous diseases. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) increase the bioavailability of lipophilic compounds and protect the drug from gastrointestinal degradation. The objective of our study is the utilization of SLNs to improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of curcumin in the management of diabetes mellitus. Central composite design was used to prepare curcumin-loaded SLNs (Cur-SLN). The analysis of independent variables like drug concentration, lipid concentration, and surfactant concentration was carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to obtain the optimized batch (optimized Cur-SLN) having the desired values of dependent variables particle size and entrapment efficiency. In vitro release, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) studies of optimized Cur-SLN were carried out and then its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed. The model was found to be significant for particle size and entrapment efficiency based on F-value and p-value. The optimized batch's predicted values were in close agreement with the actual values of particle size and entrapment efficiency. TEM results confirm mono-dispersion and spherical shape of particles in the formulation. The DSC results confirmed the changing of drug from crystalline to amorphous form. Burst release followed by the sustained release was obtained in the in vitro release studies. The pharmacokinetic study shows enhanced bioavailability of optimized Cur-SLN compared with a plain drug suspension. The optimized Cur-SLN achieved higher antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus rats than the plain drug suspension. SLNs can be used as a promising technique for delivering curcumin in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Oral Nano Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Available Administration Strategy for Antidiabetic Phytocompounds

In view of the worldwide serious health threat of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), natural sources of chemotherapies have been corroborated as the promising alternatives, with the excellent antidiabetic activities, bio-safety, and more cost-effective properties. However, their clinical application is somewhat limited, because of the poor solubility, instability in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), low bioavailability, and so on. Nowadays, to develop nanoscaled systems has become a prominent strategy to improve the drug delivery of phytochemicals. In this review, we primarily summarized the intervention mechanisms of phytocompounds against T2DM and presented the recent advances in various nanosystems of antidiabetic phytocompounds. Selected nanosystems were grouped depending on their classification and structures, including polymeric NPs, lipid-based nanosystems, vesicular systems, inorganic nanocarriers, and so on. Based on this review, the state-of-the-art nanosystems for phytocompounds in T2DM treatment have been presented, suggesting the preponderance and potential of nanotechnologies.

Niclosamide-loaded polymeric micelles ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo through targeting Wnt and Notch pathways

AIM

Niclosamide (NIC) is an anthelmintic agent repurposed as a potent anticancer agent. However, its use is hindered by its poor solubility. We investigated the underlying mechanisms of NIC anticancer activity employing a novel oral NIC pluronic-based nanoformulation and tested its effect in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. We evaluated its antitumor effect through regulating Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways and apoptosis.

MAIN METHODS

Niclosamide-loaded pluronic nanoparticles (NIC-NPs) were optimally developed and characterized with sustained release properties up to 7 days. Sixteen weeks after HCC induction, NIC (70 mg/kg) and an equivalent dose of NIC-NPs were administered orally for 3 consecutive weeks. Hepatocyte integrity was assessed by measuring serum levels of aminotransferases, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin and total protein. HCC development was detected by measuring AFP expression. Necroinflammation and fibrosis were scored by histopathological examination. Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling were evaluated by measuring hepatic mRNA levels of Wnt3A, Lrp5 and Lrp6 Co-receptors, Dvl-2, Notch1 and Hes1 and β-catenin protein levels. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring mRNA and protein levels of cyclin D1 and caspase-3.

KEY FINDING

The novel NIC-NPs restored liver integrity, reduced AFP levels and showed improved anticancer and proapoptotic activities compared to drug alone. The inhibitory effect of NIC on Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways was potentiated by the NIC-NPs formulation.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that NIC acts by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling and inducing apoptosis in HCC. Developing pluronic-based nanoformulations may be a promising approach to improve NIC solubility and offer the possibility of controlled release.

Nanopolyphenols: a review of their encapsulation and anti-diabetic effects

Polyphenols are believed to possess numerous health benefits and can be grouped as phenolic acids, flavonoids or non-flavonoids. Research involving the synthesis of nanopolyphenols has attracted interest in the areas of functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development. This is in an effort to overcome current challenges which limit the application of polyphenols such as their rapid elimination, low water-solubility, instability at low pH, and their particle size. In the synthesis of nanopolyphenols, the type of nanocarrier used, the nanoencapsulation technique employed and the type of polymers that constitute the drug delivery system are crucial. For this review, all mentioned factors which can influence the therapeutic efficacy of nanopolyphenols were assessed. Their efficacy as anti-diabetic agents was also evaluated in 33 publications. Among these were phenolic acid (1), flavonoids (13), non-flavonoids (17) and polyphenol-rich extracts (2). The most researched polyphenols were quercetin and curcumin. Nanoparticles were the main nanocarrier and the size of the nanopolyphenols ranged from 15 to 333 nm with encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacities of 56–97.7% and 4.2–53.2%, respectively. The quantity of nanomaterial administered orally ranged from 1 to 300 mg/kg/day with study durations of 1–70 days. Most studies compared the effect of the nanopolyphenol to its free-form and, in all but three cases, significantly greater effects of the former were reported. Assessment of the polyphenol to understand its properties and the subsequent synthesis of its nanoencapsulated form using suitable nanocarriers, polymers and encapsulation techniques can result in effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes.

Curcumin derivatives for Type 2 Diabetes management and prevention of complications

Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronically increased blood glucose levels, which is associated with impairment of the inflammatory and oxidative state and dyslipidaemia. Although it is considered a world heath concern and one of the most studied diseases, we are still pursuing an effective therapy for both the pathophysiological mechanisms and the complications. Curcumin, a natural compound found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is well known for its numerous biological activities, as demonstrated by several studies supporting that curcumin possesses hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, among others. These effects have been explored to the attenuation of hyperglycaemia and progression of DM complications, being appointed as a potential therapeutic approach. Besides its strong intrinsic activity, the polyphenol has low bioavailability, compromising its therapeutic efficacy. In order to overcome this limitation, several chemical strategies have been applied to curcumin, such as drug delivery systems, chemical manipulation and the use of adjuvant therapies. Given the promising results obtained with curcumin derivative, in this review we discuss not only the therapeutic targets of curcumin, but also its most recently developed analogues and their efficacy in the management of T2DM pathophysiology and complications.

Plant-Based Antidiabetic Nanoformulations: The Emerging Paradigm for Effective Therapy

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening metabolic syndrome. Over the past few decades, the incidence of diabetes has climbed exponentially. Several therapeutic approaches have been undertaken, but the occurrence and risk still remain unabated. Several plant-derived small molecules have been proposed to be effective against diabetes and associated vascular complications via acting on several therapeutic targets. In addition, the biocompatibility of these phytochemicals increasingly enhances the interest of exploiting them as therapeutic negotiators. However, poor pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical attributes of these phytochemicals largely restrict their clinical usefulness as therapeutic agents. Several pharmaceutical attempts have been undertaken to enhance their compliance and therapeutic efficacy. In this regard, the application of nanotechnology has been proven to be the best approach to improve the compliance and clinical efficacy by overturning the pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical obstacles associated with the plant-derived antidiabetic agents. This review gives a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the nanoformulations of phytochemicals in the management of diabetes and associated complications. The effects of nanosizing on pharmacokinetic, biopharmaceutical and therapeutic profiles of plant-derived small molecules, such as curcumin, resveratrol, naringenin, quercetin, apigenin, baicalin, luteolin, rosmarinic acid, berberine, gymnemic acid, emodin, scutellarin, catechins, thymoquinone, ferulic acid, stevioside, and others have been discussed comprehensively in this review.

Highly bioavailable curcumin powder suppresses articular cartilage damage in rats with mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis

This study was performed to investigate the effects of highly bioavailable curcumin as Theracurmin^® (TC) in rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA). Seventy-seven male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal, negative control (MIA only), positive control (Cerebrex), and three experimental groups treated with 500, 1300, or 2600 mg/kg of TC for 5 weeks. MIA injection-induced OA caused 30% weight-bearing imbalance whereas weight bearing imbalance was significantly improved in the TC groups. Mankin scores revealed TC treatment had significantly ameliorated cartilage damage and chondrocyte decrease. The expressions of nitrotyrosine, tumor necrosis factor-α, phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B cells, and cleaved caspase-3 were markedly increased in rat with MIA-induced OA, but the TC-treated groups exhibited a significant reduction in the number of immunoreactive cells in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, administration of TC contributes to the anti-arthritic effect in rat with MIA-induced OA.

Nanoformulations of natural products for management of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a common metabolic disorder which has become a public health challenge worldwide. There has been growing interest in medications including natural products as complementary or alternative choices for common chemical therapeutics regarding their limited side effects and ease of access. Nanosizing these compounds may help to increase their solubility, bioavailability, and promisingly enhance their efficacy. This study, for the first time, provides a comprehensive overview of the application of natural-products-based nanoformulations in the management of metabolic syndrome. Different phytochemicals including curcumin, berberine, Capsicum oleoresin, naringenin, emodin, gymnemic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, scutellarin, stevioside, silybin, baicalin, and others have been nanosized hitherto, and their nanosizing method and effect in treatment and alleviating metabolic syndrome have been reviewed and discussed in this study. It has been discovered that there are several pathways or molecular targets relevant to metabolic disorders which are affected by these compounds. Various natural-based nanoformulations have shown promising effect in treatment of metabolic syndrome, and therefore can be considered as future candidates instead of or in conjunction with pharmaceutical drugs if they pass clinical trials successfully.

Potential anticancer activity and mechanism of action of nanoformulated curcumin in experimental Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing animals

AIM

To study the potential use of nanoformulations of curcumin (CUR); CUR-loaded pluronic nanomicelles (CURnp1), and CUR-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (CURnp²) as antitumor agents in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing animals, and their mechanism of action.

MATERIALS & METHODS

CURnp¹ and CURnp² were prepared, characterized and tested against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice. Superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione, malondialdehyde, histopathological, immunohistochemical studies, cell cycle and caspase-3 were investigated.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

CURnp¹ destroyed tumors via increasing superoxide dismutase, CAT and glutathione, decreasing malondialdehyde through inducing apoptosis by decreasing Ki-67 and Bcl2 expression and activating caspase-3 leading to inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle arrest with progression at G1/S phase. The study demonstrated for the first time superiority of CURnp¹ over native CUR and CURnp² as anticancer agents.