Exploiting the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of White Capsicum Extract by the Nanoformulation in Phospholipid Vesicles

Abstract

The peppers of the Capsicum species are exploited in many fields, as flavoring agents in food industry, or as decorative and therapeutic plants. Peppers show a diversified phytochemical content responsible for different biological activities. Synergic activity exerted by high levels of antioxidant compounds is responsible for their important anti-inflammatory property. A methanolic extract was obtained from a new pepper genotype and tested for anti-inflammatory activity. The extract was incorporated into phospholipid vesicles to increase the bioavailability of its bioactive components. Two types of phospholipid vesicles were produced, conventional liposomes and Penetration Enhancer containing Vesicles (PEVs). They were tested in human monoblastic leukemia U937 cell line, showing no cytotoxic effect. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured to value the in vitro efficacy of the vesicles in regulating inflammatory responses. Liposomal incorporation significantly reduced ROS levels in extract-treated LPS-activated cells. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that liposomes facilitated the transport of the extract components across the cell membrane and their accumulation into the cytoplasm.

In vitro Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of “Habanero” Chili Pepper (Capsicum chinense) Seeds Extracts Pretreated with Cellulase

“…Acquavia et al (2021), demonstrated the presence of quercetin and several of its derivates in "Habanero" extracts and their bioactivity [6]. Additionally, Pappalardo et al (2021) proved liposomes as delivery system for white "Habanero" chili extracts to reduce cell viability of leukemia and other tumoral cells, and decrease the in ammation response in in vitro models [7].…”

Lipid Nanostructures for Antioxidant Delivery

“…The first study describes the incorporation of an extract of pepper, of the Capsicum species, in liposomes [ 5 ]. Apart from their flavoring properties, peppers possess a phytochemical content, characterized by different biological activities.…”

“…Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide levels were measured, in order to study the in vitro efficacy of the vesicles in regulating inflammatory responses, demonstrating that the liposomal incorporation significantly reduced ROS levels in extract-treated activated cells. Remarkably, liposomes were able to improve the transport of pepper extract components across the cell membrane, as well as accumulating in the cytoplasm, as demonstrated by liquid chromatograph triple quadrupole mass spectrometer analyses [ 5 ].…”