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Design and Optimization of Nanophytosomes Containing Mucuna prureins Hydroalcoholic Extract for Enhancement of Antidepressant Activity

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Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the herbal formulation containing nanophytosomes of Mucuna prureins extract (MPE) was engineered to ameliorate its rate of drug release, in vivo antidepressant profile, and stability.

Method

The Mucuna prureins nanophytosomes (MPP) were designed by using a full factorial design approach, taking into consideration various variables that could give optimized formulation. Then, pure extract and optimized formulation showing higher entrapment efficiency were studied for in vitro dissolution and in vivo antidepressant activity in depression models like forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in Swiss albino mice. The physicochemical characterization was carried out using particle size analysis and zeta potential, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, powder X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, and solubility studies. Moreover, the stability of nanophytosomes was assessed by subjecting optimized formulation to freeze–thaw cycle stability testing and calculating entrapment efficiency at the end of the cycle.

Results

PXRD and SEM revealed a decrease in the crystalline nature of nanophytosomes. 1H NMR, DSC, and FTIR asserted the formation of the phyto-phospholipids complex. The rate and extent of dissolution were also found enhanced and sustained in nanophytosomes as compared to pure extract. In vivo antidepressant activity depicted a significant reduction of immobility in mice treated with nanophytosomes as compared to those treated with the pure extract. Moreover, optimized formulation was found stable as entrapment efficiency values were not reduced significantly.

Conclusion

Thus, nanophytosomes drug delivery could be the best strategy to improve physicochemical properties of extract and thus could be exploited for the extracts having poor solubility, poor permeability, and poor stability.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Alkem Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India, for providing the drug levodopa. The authors are also thankful to Amsar Goa Pvt. Ltd, Goa, India, for providing Mucuna prureins extract and VAV Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, India, for providing Soya Phosphatidylcholine (SPC; LECIVA S-70) as gift samples. The authors also extend thanks to Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and Savitribhai Phule University, Pune, India, to perform characterization studies. The authors also extend gratitude to Crystal Biology Solutions, Pune, India, for performing in vivo antidepressant activity. The laboratory facilities provided by Principal, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Kolhapur, India, and Principal, Indira College of Pharmacy, Pune, India, are also acknowledged gratefully.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy Kolhapur, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

    Poonam Karekar

  2. Department of Pharmaceutics, Indira College of Pharmacy, Pune, Maharashtra, India

    Poonam Karekar, Sudhanshu Kulkarni & Amir Shaikh

  3. Department of Pharmacognosy, Shree Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Pharmacy, Gadhiglaj Mahagaon, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

    Suresh Killedar

  4. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Ashokrao Mane College of Pharmacy, Peth Vadgaon, Maharashtra, India

    Poournima Patil

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Karekar, P., Killedar, S., Kulkarni, S. et al. Design and Optimization of Nanophytosomes Containing Mucuna prureins Hydroalcoholic Extract for Enhancement of Antidepressant Activity. J Pharm Innov 18, 310–324 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12247-022-09646-w

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