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Onisei T, Tihăuan BM, Dolete G, Axinie Bucos M, Răscol M, Isvoranu G. In Vivo Acute Toxicity and Immunomodulation Assessment of a Novel Nutraceutical in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041292. [PMID: 37111777 PMCID: PMC10144505 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving and maintaining a well-balanced immune system has righteously become an insightful task for the general population and an even more fundamental goal for those affected by immune-related diseases. Since our immune functions are indispensable in defending the body against pathogens, diseases and other external attacks, while playing a vital role in maintaining health and modulating the immune response, we require an on-point grasp of their shortcoming as a foundation for the development of functional foods and novel nutraceuticals. Seeing that immunoceuticals are considered effective in improving immune functions and reducing the incidence of immunological disorders, the main focus of this study was to assess the immunomodulatory properties and possible acute toxicity of a novel nutraceutical with active substances of natural origin on C57BL/6 mice for 21 days. We evaluated the potential hazards (microbial contamination and heavy metals) of the novel nutraceutical and addressed the acute toxicity according to OECD guidelines of a 2000 mg/kg dose on mice for 21 days. The immunomodulatory effect was assessed at three concentrations (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) by determining body and organ indexes through a leukocyte analysis; flow cytometry immunophenotyping of lymphocytes populations and their subpopulations (T lymphocytes (LyCD3+), cytotoxic suppressor T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+), helper T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4+), B lymphocytes (CD3-CD19+) and NK cells (CD3-NK1.1.+); and the expression of the CD69 activation marker. The results obtained for the novel nutraceutical referred to as ImunoBoost indicated no acute toxicity, an increased number of lymphocytes and the stimulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation, demonstrating its immunomodulatory effect. The safe human consumption dose was established at 30 mg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Onisei
- The National Institute for Research and Development in Food Bioresources, Dinu Vintilă Street, No.6, 021102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca-Maria Tihăuan
- The National Institute for Research and Development in Food Bioresources, Dinu Vintilă Street, No.6, 021102 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 50567 Bucharest, Romania
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
| | - Georgiana Dolete
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mădălina Axinie Bucos
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Manuela Răscol
- The National Institute for Research and Development in Food Bioresources, Dinu Vintilă Street, No.6, 021102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gheorghița Isvoranu
- National Institute of Pathology Victor Babeş-Bucharest, 99-101 Spl. Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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Cadinoiu AN, Popa M. Editorial on Special Issue "Pharmaceutical Formulations with Antimicrobial Properties". Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010137. [PMID: 36678765 PMCID: PMC9866384 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though numerous studies on the systemic administration of antimicrobial drugs can be found in the literature, they still have many shortcomings related to the site-specific drug delivery, unwanted side effects and even potential toxicity [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca N. Cadinoiu
- Faculty of Medical Dentistry, Apollonia University of Iasi, 700511 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Marcel Popa
- Faculty of Medical Dentistry, Apollonia University of Iasi, 700511 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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Tihăuan BM, Axinie (Bucos) M, Marinaș IC, Avram I, Nicoară AC, Grădișteanu-Pîrcălăbioru G, Dolete G, Ivanof AM, Onisei T, Cășărică A, Pîrvu L. Evaluation of the Putative Duplicity Effect of Novel Nutraceuticals Using Physico-Chemical and Biological In Vitro Models. Foods 2022; 11:foods11111636. [PMID: 35681386 PMCID: PMC9180833 DOI: 10.3390/foods11111636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutraceuticals are experiencing a high-rise use nowadays, which is incomparable to a few years ago, due to a shift in consumers’ peculiarity tendencies regarding the selection of alternatives to Western medicine, potential immunity boosters, or gut-health promoters. Nutraceuticals’ compositions and actual effects should be proportional to their sought-after status, as they are perceived to be the middle ground between pharma rigor and naturally occurring actives. Therefore, the health benefits via nutrition, safe use, and reduction of potential harm should be the main focus for manufacturers. In this light, this study assess the nutritional profile (proteins, fats, fibers, caloric value, minerals) of a novel formulated nutraceutical, its physico-chemical properties, FTIR spectra, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins content, and potential hazards (heavy metals and microbiological contaminants), as well as its cytotoxicity, adherence, and invasion of bacteria on HT-29 cells, as well as its evaluation of beneficial effect, potential prebiotic value, and duplicity effect on gut microbiota in correlation with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The results obtained indicate the growth stimulation of Lb. rhamnosus and the inhibitory effects of E.coli, Ent. Faecalis and Lc. lactis. The interaction between active compounds suggested a modulator effect of the intestinal microbiota by reducing the number of bacteria that adhere to epithelial cells or by inhibiting their growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Maria Tihăuan
- Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (B.-M.T.); (I.-C.M.); (G.G.-P.); (A.-M.I.)
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
| | - Mădălina Axinie (Bucos)
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ioana-Cristina Marinaș
- Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (B.-M.T.); (I.-C.M.); (G.G.-P.); (A.-M.I.)
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
| | - Ionela Avram
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca-Cecilia Nicoară
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Grațiela Grădișteanu-Pîrcălăbioru
- Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (B.-M.T.); (I.-C.M.); (G.G.-P.); (A.-M.I.)
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Dolete
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Research Center for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Ivanof
- Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (B.-M.T.); (I.-C.M.); (G.G.-P.); (A.-M.I.)
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
| | - Tatiana Onisei
- National Institute of Research & Development for Food Bioresources—IBA Bucharest, 020323 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Angela Cășărică
- National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 031282 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Lucia Pîrvu
- National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 031282 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.); (L.P.)
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Chircov C, Ștefan RE, Dolete G, Andrei A, Holban AM, Oprea OC, Vasile BS, Neacșu IA, Tihăuan B. Dextran-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Curcumin for Antimicrobial Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051057. [PMID: 35631644 PMCID: PMC9146385 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The current trend in antimicrobial-agent development focuses on the use of natural compounds that limit the toxicity of conventional drugs and provide a potential solution to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. Curcumin represents a natural bioactive compound with well-known antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. However, its hydrophobicity considerably limits the possibility of body administration. Therefore, dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles can be used as efficient drug-delivery supports that could overcome this limitation. The iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized through the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method by varying the treatment parameters (pressure and reaction time). The nanoparticles were subsequently coated with dextran and used for the loading of curcumin (in various concentrations). The drug-delivery systems were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) coupled with Rietveld refinement, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, as well as regarding their antimicrobial efficiency and biocompatibility using the appropriate assays. The results demonstrate a promising antimicrobial efficiency, as well as an increased possibility of controlling the properties of the resulted nanosystems. Thus, the present study represents an important step forward toward the development of highly efficient antimicrobial drug-delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (G.D.); (B.S.V.)
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Raluca-Elena Ștefan
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Georgiana Dolete
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (G.D.); (B.S.V.)
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adriana Andrei
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Stefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (G.D.); (B.S.V.)
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Research Center for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionela Andreea Neacșu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (G.D.); (B.S.V.)
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Bianca Tihăuan
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, 91–95 Spl. Independentei, 50567 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research & Development for Advanced Biotechnologies and Medical Devices, SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
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