Potentiation of nootropic activity of EGCG loaded nanosuspension by piperine in swiss male albino mice

The present study deals with preparation of nanoformulations of epigallocatchin gallate (EGCG) alone and with piperine, and evaluation of in vivo cognitive effect on Swiss albino male mice. EGCG (25 mg) was nanoencapsulated into a biocompatible and biodegradable protein nanocarrier, zein and was also separately nanoencapsulated with piperine (5 mg), a bioenhancer. Anti-solvent precipitation method was used for formulation of EGCG loaded nanosuspension and EGCG-Piperine nanocomplex. EGCG loaded nanosuspension (25 mg kg(-1)) and EGCG-Piperine nanocomplex (25 mg kg(-1)) were administered per se to mice for 3 successive weeks. The behaviour models i.e. Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze were used for assessing the cognitive behaviour. The influence of various drug treatments on locomotor activity of mice was also studied. The mice were sacrificed on 21st day followed by estimation of brain acetylcholinesterase activity. The significant reversion in scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice was observed after administration of EGCG loaded nanosuspension (25 mg kg(-1)) and EGCG-Piperine nanocomplex (25 mg kg(-1)). A significant reduction in brain acetylcholinesterase level in mice was observed after the administration of physostigmine (0.1 mg kg(-1)), EGCG loaded nanosuspension (25 mg kg(-1)) and EGCG-Piperine nanocomplex (25 mg kg(-1)). The oral administration of EGCG loaded nanosuspension for three successive weeks significantly improved cognitive behaviour in mice; and piperine potentiated the cognitive effect of EGCG loaded nanosuspension. Further, EGCG loaded nanosuspension showed improved cognitive behaviour in mice probably through inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity, and facilitation of cholinergic pathways.