Development and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Herbal Extract: In Vivo Antidepressant Activity

Abstract

In alternate systems of medicine like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and its extracts have been traditionally prescribed for their antidepressant activity. Crude extracts and rudimentary formulations approaches are good for proof-of-concept studies; however, these formulations are fraught with problems like poor oral bioavailability and high variability between subjects. Systematic drug delivery approaches could prove effective in addressing some of these problems. In this study, we report the development of Hibiscus rosa sinensis extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (HSLNs) using glycerol monostearate or beeswax as lipids. The HSLNs were evaluated for their size, surface charge, and morphology. The optimized HSLNs were tested for antidepressant activity in male Swiss albino mice. It was found that, with the optimized procedure, HSLNs of ~175 nm, carrying negative charge and nearly spherical shape, could be obtained. The in vivo test results suggested that there were marked differences in the immobility times of the test animals. Moreover, with HSLNs, it was found that at doses several times lower than the native crude extract dose, similar pharmacological effect could be obtained. These initial findings suggest that encapsulating phytopharmaceuticals into advanced delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles can be an effective strategy in improving their in vivo performance.

Advances in Nano-Enabled Platforms for the Treatment of Depression

“…The SLNs also showed reduced P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of venlafaxine, hence improving the penetration of the venlafaxine-loaded SLNs through the BBB [ 15 ]. Moreover, an in vivo study using mice indicated that SLN nanocarriers enhance the oral uptake of antidepressants by accessing the lymphatic system, hence improving oral bioavailability [ 68 ]. Overall, the data showed that SLNs can be used to improve the efficacy of antidepressants [ 68 ].…”

“…Moreover, an in vivo study using mice indicated that SLN nanocarriers enhance the oral uptake of antidepressants by accessing the lymphatic system, hence improving oral bioavailability [ 68 ]. Overall, the data showed that SLNs can be used to improve the efficacy of antidepressants [ 68 ]. In another research study where the antidepressant, duloxetine was encapsulated in SLNs, the oral bioavailability of the drug was improved owing to reduced first-pass metabolism of the duloxetine-SLN system when compared with duloxetine only [ 69 ].…”

Formulation and Cytotoxic Characterization of Trigonella foenum Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles

“…This phenomenon may be observed because of a larger portion of drug forming cross linkage with the hydrophilic polymer and the TF also being hydrophilic. The loading efficiency may be further increased by optimizing the amount of polymer and maximum entrapment of drug may not be achieved because of hydrophilic nature of TF extract 14 .…”

Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and in Vivo Wound Healing Activity in Wistar Albino Rats

“…The leaves and flowers of this plant has been shown to promote hair growth and ulcer healing properties [16,17]. Flower extract was found to be effective in arterial hypertension [18] and depression [19]. Animals treated with hibiscus rosa sinensis exhibited significant (86%) reduction in wound area compared to controls [20].…”