Curcumin Nanoparticles Enhance Antioxidant Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation

Inflammatory-stimuli-responsive turn-on NIR fluorogenic theranostic prodrug: adjuvant delivery of diclofenac and hydrogen sulfide attenuates acute inflammatory disorders

Prolonged use of very commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often associated with undesired side effects, including gastrointestinal ulcers due to the non-selective inhibition of cyclooxygenases. We describe the development of an inflammatory-stimuli-responsive turn-on fluorogenic theranostic prodrug DCF-HS for adjuvant drug delivery. Upon activation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), the prodrug releases diclofenac DCF (active drug) and the NIR fluorophore DCI-NH2 along with carbonyl sulfide (COS). The second activation of COS by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) generates hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The prodrug was conveniently synthesized using multi-step organic synthesis. The UV-Vis and fluorescence studies revealed the selective reactivity of DCF-HS towards ROS such as H2O2 in the aqueous phase and the desired uncaging of the drug DCF with turn-on NIR fluorescent reporter under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the release of fluorophore DCI-NH2 and drug DCF was confirmed using the reverse phase HPLC method. Compatibility of prodrug activation was studied next in the cellular medium. The prodrug DCF-HS was non-toxic in a representative cancer cell line (HeLa) and a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) up to 100 μM concentration, indicating its biocompatibility. The intracellular ROS-mediated activation of the prodrug with the release of NIR dye DCI-NH2 and H2S was investigated in HeLa cells using the H2S-selective probe WSP2. The anti-inflammatory activity of the active drug DCF from the prodrug DCF-HS was studied in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage cell line and compared to that of the parent drug DCF using western blot analysis and it was found that the active drug resulted in pronounced inhibition of COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the anti-inflammatory potential of the prodrug and the turn-on fluorescence were validated in the inflammation-induced Wister rat models.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin-glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol-glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 μg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS.

Zingiber officinale Root Capsule Extract Synergistically Enhance the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root capsule extract (GRCE) in doses of 100 mg/kg b.w. (body weight) and 200 mg/kg b.w. alone and in combination with a low dose (5 mg/kg b.w.) of diclofenac sodium (D) on carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (AI). The association of GRCE in a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. with D offered the highest inhibition percentage for edema, reaching the maximum level of inhibition (95%) after 24 h. The association of GRCE in a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. with D showed the ability to reduce tissue inflammatory changes when compared to D alone, while GRCE alone did not exhibit such properties. The association of both doses of GRCE with D showed significantly lower plasma and tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by up to 55% (p ≤ 0.0317), with the best results obtained by the group who received GRCE in the higher dose. These associations reduced the serum and tissue levels of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) by up to 71% (p ≤ 0.0371). In conclusion, the association of GRCE with a low dose of D could be an appropriate combination to decrease the dose used to reduce serum and tissue levels of inflammatory molecules, edema, and histological changes in acute inflammation. Further research will be necessary to achieve clinical evaluation.

Unveiling the Chemical Profiling Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Algerian Myrtus communis L. Essential Oils, and Exploring Molecular Docking to Predict the Inhibitory Compounds against Cyclooxygenase-2

Considering the large spectrum of side effects caused by synthetic drugs and the development of natural alternatives utilizing Algerian flora, this study aimed to place a spotlight on the chemical profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Myrtus communis L. essential oils (MCEOs). In this study, essential oils (EOs) were collected via hydro-distillation of the plant's leaves, and a chemical constituent analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests. The in vitro anti-inflammatory capacity was estimated by studying the antidenaturation effect using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a protein model. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by utilizing the classical model of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, using diclofenac (DCF) as the reference drug. Moreover, the molecular interaction of the compounds obtained from the GC-MS analysis was studied within the binding site of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) using an in silico approach as the confirmatory tool of the in vitro and in vivo experiments. The GC-MS analysis revealed that MCEOs were mainly composed of oxygenated monoterpenes (70.56%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (3.1%), sesquiterpenes (4.17%), and monoterpenes (8.75%). Furthermore, 1,8-cineole was the major compound (19.05%), followed by cis-geranyl acetate (11.74%), methyl eugenol (5.58%), α-terpineol (4.62%), and β-myrcene (4.40%). MCEOs exhibited remarkable concentration-dependent free radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 15.317 ± 0.340 µg/mL, 18.890 ± 2.190 µg/mL, and 31.877 ± 0.742 µg/mL for DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical, respectively. The significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity due to the inhibition of BSA denaturation was proportional to the EO concentration, where the highest value was recorded at 100 μg/mL with an approximately 63.35% percentage inhibition and an IC50 of 60.351 ± 5.832 μg/mL. MCEOs showed a good in vivo anti-inflammatory effect by limiting the development of carrageenan-induced paw thickness. The in silico study indicated that, among the 60 compounds identified by the GC-MS analysis, 9 compounds were observed to have a high binding energy to cyclooxygenase-2 as compared to diclofenac. Our study revealed that EOs from Algerian Myrtus communis L. can be considered to be a promising candidate for alleviating many debilitating health problems and may provide new insights in the fields of drug design, agriculture, and the food industry.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Topical Dosage Forms Containing Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Loaded with Curcumin

The external use of curcumin is rare, although it can be a valuable active ingredient in the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. The aim of our experimental work was to formulate topical dosage forms containing curcumin for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Curcumin has extremely poor solubility and bioavailability, so we have tried to increase it with the usage of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems. Creams and gels were formulated using penetration-enhancing surfactants and gelling agents. The release of the drug from the vehicle and its penetration through the membrane were determined using a Franz diffusion cell. An MTT cytotoxicity and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed on HaCaT cell line. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of the preparations was tested by measuring rat paw edema. In addition, we examined the degree of inflammation induced by UV radiation after pretreatment with the cream and the gel on rats. For the gels containing SNEDDS, the highest penetration was measured after half an hour, while for the cream, it took one hour to reach the maximum concentration. The gel containing Pemulen TR-1 showed the highest drug release. It was determined that the curcumin-containing preparations can be safely applied on the skin and have antioxidant effects. The animal experiments have proven the effectiveness of curcumin-containing topical preparations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Root Capsules Enhance Analgesic and Antioxidant Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation

Our study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and antioxidant effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root capsule extract (GRCE) in addition to diclofenac (D) sodium treatment in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (AI). Seven groups of eight Wistar-Bratislava white rats were included in the study. One group was the control (C), and AI was induced in the other six groups. The following treatments were applied: saline solution for C and AI groups, D for the AID group, GRCE for two groups and GRCE and D for another two groups. The GRCE was administered by gavage in two doses (100 mg/Kg b.w. or 200 mg/kg b.w.), while D was administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. The association of GRCE with this low dose of diclofenac reduced pain threshold and improved mobility with the best results for the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. Moreover, this combination reduced, better than D alone, the serum levels of the evaluated pro-oxidant parameters (malondialdehyde, the indirect assessment of NO synthesis, total oxidative status and oxidative stress index) up to 78%, especially oxidative stress index (p < 0.0001). GRCE alone slightly improved the antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant capacity and total thiols), but when associated with, D the results were better, especially for total thiols as their plasma levels increased up to 50% (p < 0.0010), with the best results obtained for the 200 mg/kg b.w. dose of GRCE. In conclusion, ginger root capsules associated with diclofenac might offer additional antioxidant and analgesic effects in a dose-dependent manner in acute inflammation.

The Effect of Curcumin Nanoparticles on Paracetamol-induced Liver Injury in Male Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION

Curcumin is a naturally occurring compound that has antioxidant properties, acts as a hepatoprotective, and lowers lipid peroxidation. However, curcumin's low solubility and bioavailability are its primary drawbacks and prevent its use as a therapeutic agent. In this study, curcumin nanoparticles will be created using the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, and their effectiveness against paracetamol-induced changes in ALT, AST, SOD, MDA, and TNF-α will be compared to that of pure curcumin.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin nanoparticles in paracetamol- induced rats as a model for liver injury.

METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar rats, aged 6 to 8 weeks, with a minimum weight of 120 grams, were used in an experimental laboratory investigation with a post-test-only group design. Rats in each group received 100 mg/kgBW pure curcumin, 100 mg/kgBW curcumin nanoparticles, and 50 mg/kgBW curcumin nanoparticles for 7 days before paracetamol induction. On day 8, 300 mg/kgBW of paracetamol was intraperitoneally injected to cause liver damage. One of the groups received NAC as an antidote 10 hours after paracetamol induction. Detection of ALT and AST using a Chemistry Analyzer. ELISA approach for the detection of SOD, MDA, and TNF-α. The Roenigk score was calculated by two examiners after the liver histopathology preparations were stained using the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. Post hoc analyses were performed after the One Way Annova and Kruskal Wallis tests to examine the data.

RESULTS

According to PSA results, the smallest formula that formed curcumin nanoparticles (10.2 nm) was 8 g of curcumin formula mixed with a mixture of Tween 20 4.5 ml, Kolliphor EL 1.5 ml, Propylene Glycol 1.5 ml, and Capryol 90 1 ml for 21 minutes using an ultrasonic process. MDA and TNF-α levels, as well as the liver's histological Roenigk score, were significantly lower in the 100 mg/kgBB pure curcumin group (C100) when compared to the model group (model). The levels of AST, MDA, TNF-α, and the liver histopathology score were significantly lower in the 100 mg/kgBB (NC100) and 50 mg/kgBB (NC50) curcumin nanoparticle groups compared to the model group (model) and pure curcumin group (C100) (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Curcumin nanoparticles showed better hepatoprotective ability than pure curcumin.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles Associated with Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation

The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of conventional curcumin (cC) and curcumin nanoparticles (nC) associated with diclofenac sodium (D) in experimental acute inflammation (AI) induced by carrageenan administration. Seven groups of eight randomly selected Wistar-Bratislava white rats were evaluated. One group was the control (C), and AI was induced in the other six groups. The AI group was treated with saline solution, the AID group was treated with D, the AIcC200 and AInC200 groups were treated with cC and nC, respectively, while AIcC200D and AInC200D were treated with cC and nC, respectively, both associated with D. Conventional curcumin, nC, and D were administered in a single dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. for cC and nC and 5 mg/kg b.w. for D. Association of cC or nC to D resulted in significant antinociceptive activity, and improved mechanical pressure stimulation and heat thresholds at 3, 5, 7 and 24 h (p < 0.03). The association of cC and nC with D (AIcC200D and AInC200D groups) showed significantly lower plasma and tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) up to 2.5 times, with the best results in the group who received nC. Moreover, AInC200D presented the least severe histopathological changes with a reduced level of inflammation in the dermis and hypodermis. The combination of nC to D showed efficiency in reducing pain, inflammatory cytokines, and histological changes in acute inflammation.

Polyphenols from Dichrostachys cinerea Fruits Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antioxidant Capacity in Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rat Model

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wigth & Arn. (DC) is widely used in traditional medicine against several inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenol-rich DC fruit extracts and investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in a rat inflammation model induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Water and ethanolic extracts were characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The polyphenol-rich extracts were administered in three different concentrations for 30 days. Pain threshold, thermal hyperalgesia, edema, and serum biomarkers specific to inflammatory processes or oxidative stress were evaluated. Both extracts were rich in polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and flavone glycosides, which had important in vitro antioxidant capacity. DC fruit extracts administration had the maximum antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects after one day since the CFA injection and showed promising results for long-term use as well. The measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cortisol, and oxidative stress parameters showed that DC extracts significantly reduced these parameters, being dose and extract-type dependent. These results showed potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidative properties and revealed the necessity of using a standardized polyphenolic DC extract to avoid result variability.