Hesperetin-loaded polymeric nanofibers: assessment of bioavailability and neuroprotective effect

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of the study is to assess the bioavailability and neuroprotective effect of hesperetin (Hesp)-loaded nanofibers.

Methods

Electrospinning was used to create and characterize polyvinyl pyrrolidone-based Hesp-loaded nanofibers. To evaluate the produced nanofibers, preclinical studies were conducted. The study involved five groups of Wistar rats, and the treatments were administered as follows. Group 1 (control) was given regular saline for 14 d. On the 14th day, Group 2 was given scopolamine. Group 3 was given donepezil for 14 d and then scopolamine on the 14th. Group 4 was given Hesp for 14 d and then scopolamine on the 14th. Group 5 was given Hesp-loaded nanofibers for 14 d, followed by scopolamine on the 14th. On the 14th day, rats’ memory was tested using Cook’s pole climbing apparatus and the Morris water maze (MWM). On the 15th day, rats from each group were slaughtered, brain tissues were separated, and biochemical and histological analyses were performed. In addition, in vitro dissolution experiments and pharmacokinetic studies were carried out.

Results

When compared to the control group, scopolamine-treated rats had considerably longer escape latency times, as well as increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation, degeneration, and inflammation in the hippocampus. These parameters were greatly recovered by donepezil and Hesp-loaded nanofibers that had been pretreated. Because of the greatly improved bioavailability of Hesp, the Hesp-loaded nanofibers significantly protected rats from scopolamine-induced amnesia.

Conclusions

Hesp-loaded nanofibers have an excellent neuroprotective effect against scopolamine-induced amnesia due to enhanced bioavailability.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Hesperetin
• nanofibers
• neuroprotection
• amnesia
• bioavailability
• dissolution

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.