Further Evidence of Possible Therapeutic Uses of Sambucus nigra L. Extracts by the Assessment of the In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Its PLGA and PCL-Based Nanoformulations

Abstract

Sambucus nigra L. is widely used in traditional medicine with different applications. However, confirmative studies are strongly required. This study aimed to assess the biological activities of the S. nigra flower’s extract encapsulated into two different types of nanoparticles for optimizing its properties and producing further evidence of its potential therapeutic uses. Different nanoparticles (poly(lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA) and poly-Ɛ-caprolactone (PCL), both with oleic acid, were prepared by emulsification/solvent diffusion and solvent-displacement methods, respectively. Oleic acid was used as a capping agent. After the nanoparticles’ preparation, they were characterized and the biological activities were studied in terms of collagenase, in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, and in vitro cell viability. Rutin and naringenin were found to be the major phenolic compounds in the studied extract. The encapsulation efficiency was higher than 76% and revealed to have an impact on the release of the extract, mainly for the PLGA. Moreover, biochemical and histopathological analyses confirmed that the extract-loaded PLGA-based nanoparticles displayed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. In addition to supporting the previously reported evidence of potential therapeutic uses of S. nigra, these results could draw the pharmaceutical industry’s interest to the novelty of the nanoproducts.

Increased Therapeutic Efficacy of SLN Containing Etofenamate and Ibuprofen in Topical Treatment of Inflammation

“…In this acute model, the test substance was applied half an hour before carrageenan injection so that the drug can be absorbed and is available in the paw tissues at the time inflammation is induced. Using this same animal model, it was possible to observe by histological examination of rat paws lower edema, and fewer inflammatory infiltrates when using a natural extract encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles in comparison with non-encapsulated extract [ 56 ]. The group treated with ibuprofen SLN gel ( Figure 12 f) presents an absence of changes in the epidermis and a decrease in edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells.…”

A Newfangled Collagenase Inhibitor Topical Formulation Based on Ethosomes with Sambucus nigra L. Extract

“…Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 467 10 of 25 by itself in a real scenario [4,38]. Thus, in principle, there should be no concerns in terms of its application in humans as further section confirmed it.…”

“…S. nigra has been used in traditional medicine for several purposes [ 4 , 5 ]. One of them is related to its microbiological properties.…”

“…One of them is related to its microbiological properties. Recent studies reported that a flower extract of S. nigra has several important biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory properties and collagenase (Coll)-inhibitory activity [ 4 , 5 ]. Coll is a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) enzyme responsible for the degradation of collagen [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…In this sense, like many other species, elderflower extracts might have some potential and interesting properties against skin aging, although, its direct skin application can be compromised by thermal degradation [ 11 ], or by photodegradation which might affect its phenolic content [ 12 ]. Thus, the encapsulation or entrapment of extracts using protective carriers may present several advantages [ 4 , 13 ]. The characterization of the extract was already performed by our research group [ 4 , 5 ].…”