Nanocapsules containing Saussurea lappa essential oil: Formulation, characterization, antidiabetic, anti-cholinesterase and anti-inflammatory potentials

Plant-based remedies have been widely used for the management of variable diseases due to their safety and less side effects. In the present study, we investigated Saussurea lappa CB. Clarke. (SL) given its largely reported medicinal effects. Specifically, our objective was to provide an insight into a new polymethyl methacrylate based nanocapsules as carriers of SL essential oil and characterize their biologic functions. The nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique, characterized and analyzed for their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer and antidiabetic effects. The results revealed that the developed nanoparticles had a diameter around 145 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.18 and a zeta potential equal to +45 mV and they did not show any cytotoxicity at 25 mu g.mL(-1). The results also showed an anti-inflammatory activity (reduction in metallopmtease MMP-9 enzyme activity and RNA expression of inflammatory cytokines: TNF-alpha, GM-CSF and IL1 beta, a high anti-Alzheimer's effect (IC50 around 25.0 and 14.9 mu g.mL(-1) against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, respectively), and a strong antidiabetic effect (IC50 were equal to 22.9 and 75.8 mu g.mL(-1) against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, respectively). Further studies are required including the in vivo studies (e.g., preclinical), the pharmacokinetic properties, the bioavailability and the underlying associated metabolic pathways.

Automated summary

A new polymethyl methacrylate based nanocapsules were developed as carriers of Saussurea lappa essential oil, showing promising biological functions such as anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, and antidiabetic effects. Further studies, including in vivo studies, pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and metabolic pathways, are needed for a comprehensive understanding.