Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to develop and characterize a Crocus sativus (saffron)-based solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) nasal spray for treating depression by enabling direct nose-to-brain delivery and evaluating its antidepressant potential in a Drosophila melanogaster model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Phytochemical screening, antioxidant assays, and HPLC quantification of picrocrocin were performed on Crocus sativus extract. The SLN-based nasal spray was formulated and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability over 4 weeks. The antidepressant efficacy was assessed via a climbing assay in Drosophila melanogaster.
RESULTS
Phytochemical analysis revealed phenolic content (11-36 μg GAE/mg), flavonoid content (43-56 μg QE/mg), and carotenoid content (1.9-30 μg βC/mg). HPLC analysis quantified picrocrocin at 6.3 mg/g, confirming its presence. The SLNs exhibited a particle size of 110-225 nm, a zeta potential of -1 to -0.8 mV, a PDI of 1, and a drug entrapment efficiency of 99.76%. Drug release reached 37% over 270 minutes, and the nasal spray maintained a pH of 5.8, a viscosity of 23.1 cP, and stability over 4 weeks. In vivo, the climbing assay demonstrated improved locomotor activity, indicating significant antidepressant potential.
CONCLUSION
The Crocus sativus SLN nasal spray exhibits high entrapment efficiency, stability, and promising in vivo antidepressant effects, supporting its potential as a novel therapy for treatment-resistant depression via direct nose-to-brain delivery.