In vitro and In vivo antioxidant properties of paprika carotenoids nanoemulsions

This study aimed to investigate the protective role of emulsions loaded with paprika oleoresin carotenoids on liver and serum of healthy rats. Additionally, the study explored the effects of nonionic surfactants on the liver, which have not been reported. Conventional (CE) and nano (NE) emulsions were prepared and characterized, showing particle size of 157.9 and 39.2 nm, respectively and a monodisperse-size distribution. Carotenoid concentration analyzed by the DPPH method (EC50) were 347 and 359 mu g/mL for CE and NE, respectively. Both emulsions and the surfactant alone (Tween 40) were orally administered to Wistar rats. The results obtained in this study suggests that carotenoid emulsions have a protective effect on liver due to an increase of antioxidant activity, without modifying the transaminases activity. However, when the surfactant was administered alone, a damage on the liver was observed. The damage observed indicates that it is necessary to analyze the appropriate surfactant when emulsions and nanoemulsions are designed.