Gelatine nanoparticles encapsulating three edible plant extracts as potential nanonutraceutical agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim

To optimise, and characterise gelatine nanoparticles (GNPs) encapsulating plant extracts and evaluate the glucose-lowering potential.

Methods

GNPs encapsulating plant extracts were prepared by desolvation method followed by adsorption. The GNPs were characterised by loading efficiency, loading capacity, particle size, zeta potential, SEM and FTIR. The glucose-lowering activity of GNPs was determined using oral glucose tolerance test in high-fat diet fed streptozotocin-induced Wistar rats.

Results

Loading efficiency and capacity, particle mean diameter, and zeta potential of optimised GNPs 72.45 ± 13.03% w/w, 53.05 ± 26.16% w/w, 517 ± 48 nm and (−)23.43 ± 9.96 mV respectively. GNPs encapsulating aqueous extracts of C. grandis, S. auriculata, and ethanol 70% v/v extracts of M. koenigii showed glucose-lowering activity by 17.62%, 11.96% and 13.73% (p < 0.05) compared to the non-encapsulated extracts. FTIR analysis confirmed the encapsulation of phytoconstituents into GNPs. SEM imaging showed spherical GNPs (174 ± 46 nm).

Conclusion

GNPs encapsulating plant extracts show promising potential to be developed as nanonutraceuticals against diabetes.

Keywords:

• Gelatine nanoparticles
• glucose-lowering activity
• high-fat diet fed streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rat
• plant extracts

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the World Bank under Grant, Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development-AHEAD project (AHEAD/DOR STEM-15), Sri Lanka.