Isolation, characterization, development and evaluation of phytoconstituent based formulation for diabetic neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Traditional Medicine
• Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
• Neuroscience and Diabetes Research

Background:

• Morus alba (white mulberry) is recognized for its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in managing diabetes and neuroprotection.
• Diabetic neuropathy is a significant complication of diabetes, necessitating effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a phytoconstituent from Morus alba for potential use in treating diabetic neuropathy.
• To develop and evaluate a nanoemulsion formulation of the isolated phytoconstituent for enhanced delivery and efficacy.
• To assess the safety and therapeutic effects of the nanoemulsion formulation in an animal model of diabetic neuropathy.

Main Methods:

• Phytochemical isolation using column chromatography and characterization via Mass spectroscopy, FTIR, and NMR.
• Development and characterization of a chrysin-based nanoemulsion, including physical and chemical stability tests.
• Evaluation of acute oral toxicity and efficacy against alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats, involving behavioral, hematological, histopathological, and biomarker analyses.

Main Results:

• The isolated phytoconstituent was identified as chrysin.
• The developed nanoemulsion formulation was stable and met all characterization parameters.
• Chrysin nanoemulsion demonstrated significant protective effects against diabetic neuropathy in rats, with no observed toxicity.
• Biomarker analysis indicated restoration of the oxidative pathway, suggesting a key mechanism of action.

Conclusions:

• The isolated phytoconstituent, chrysin, from Morus alba, when formulated into a nanoemulsion, exhibits significant protective and beneficial effects against diabetic neuropathy.
• The nanoemulsion formulation is safe and effective, primarily by diminishing oxidative damage and restoring the oxidative pathway in an alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy model.