Therapeutic potential of andrographolide-loaded nanoparticles on a murine asthma model

Corticosteroids commonly prescribed in asthma show several side-effects. Relatively non-toxic andrographolide (AG) has an anti-asthmatic potential. But its poor bioavailability and short plasma half-life constrain its efficacy. To overcome them, we encapsulated AG in nanoparticle (AGNP) and evaluated AGNP for anti-asthmatic efficacy on murine asthma model by oral/pulmonary delivery. AGNP had 5.47% drug loading with a sustained drug release in vitro. Plasma and lung pharmacokinetic data showed predominantly improved AG-bioavailability upon AGNP administered orally/by pulmonary route. Cell numbers, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and serum IgE content were reduced significantly after administration of AGNP compared to free-AG treatment. AGNP-mediated suppression of NF-κβ was predominantly more compared to free-AG. Further, pulmonary route showed better therapeutic performance. In conclusion, AGNP effectively controlled mild and severe asthma and the pulmonary administration of AGNP was more efficacious than the oral route.