Oral Delivery of Avocado Peel Extract Using Albumin Nanocarriers to Modulate Cholesterol Absorption

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Nutraceuticals

Background:

• Hypercholesterolemia is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor, with current drugs causing adverse effects.
• Natural products offer alternatives, but poor bioavailability necessitates advanced delivery systems.
• Avocado (Persea americana) peel extract shows cholesterol-lowering potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize bovine serum albumin nanoparticles encapsulating Persea americana peel extract.
• To evaluate the stability, safety, and bioavailability of the nanoformulation.
• To assess the efficacy of the nanoformulation in reducing cholesterol absorption.

Main Methods:

• Avocado peel extract was encapsulated in bovine serum albumin nanoparticles.
• Nanoformulation physicochemical properties, stability, and cytotoxicity were assessed.
• Bioavailability and cholesterol absorption were evaluated using Caco-2 cell models.

Main Results:

• Nanoencapsulation improved extract stability and bioavailability, protecting it during simulated digestion.
• Nanoparticles exhibited favorable physicochemical properties and demonstrated safety and biocompatibility.
• The nanoformulation significantly reduced cholesterol permeation in Caco-2 cells compared to the free extract.

Conclusions:

• Avocado peel extract nanoformulation offers a stable and bioavailable oral delivery system.
• This nanoformulation presents a promising, safe strategy for hypercholesterolemia management.
• Further applications in managing metabolic disorders are suggested.