Enhanced immunomodulator activity of Carthamus tinctorius (L.) extracts, a traditional medicine using nanostructured lipid carrier approach

Abstract

Considering the potential of Carthamus tinctorius (L.) (CT) for therapeutic purposes mainly as immunomodulator as well as the ability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to protect phytochemicals from degradation and improving their solubility, the objective of this study was design, optimization, and characterization CT-loaded NLC (CTNLC) system as an immunomodulator. The NLCs were prepared using hot homogenization techniques, which were later subjected to ultrasonication according to the Box Behnken design. The NLCs were characterized in terms of polydispersity index (PDI), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and surface morphologies. The immunomodulatory activity was carried out by measuring phagocytic activity using carbon clearance method, organ index, antibody titres using indirect hemagglutination test and level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). The CT extracts (300 mg/kg), CT-NLC (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) were administered orally. Levamisole (3 mg/kg) and Methylprednisolone (16 mg/kg) was used as standard drug. The selected CTNLC displayed a spherical particle with an average of ∼199.6 nm, polydispersity index of ∼0.305 and zeta potential of ∼-27.4 mV. %EE ∼74.04 % was attained. TEM images exhibited nanoparticles to be non-aggregated and in spherical shape. CTNLC treatment significantly increased the phagocytic index, antibody titres and level of IFN-γ but did not influence organ index compared to free CT. Carthamus tinctorius (L.) was successfully encapsulated into nanostructured lipid carriers. The developed NLC exhibited desirable parameters and was found to further improve immunomodulation efficacy. NLC has the potential to significantly enhance the efficacy of CT.