Oral naringenin nanocarriers: Fabrication, optimization, pharmacokinetic and chemotherapeutic efficacy assessments

Abstract

Aim: To enhance oral bioavailability and chemotherapeutic efficacy of naringenin (NG) by fabricating the NG-encapsulated Soluthin–maltodextrin-based nanocarrier (NC) system. Materials & methods: NG-encapsulated nanocarriers (NG/NCs) were developed, and in vitro physicochemically characterized. Furthermore, Wistar rats were used to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer efficacy was evaluated in BALB/c mice-bearing colon-26 cells. Results: The NG/NCs demonstrated favorable mean particle size (176 ± 2.35 nm) and percent entrapment efficiency (70.83 ± 4.55%), respectively. The oral bioavailability was found to be approximately 116-fold higher and in vitro cytotoxicity exhibited approximately 21-fold reduction as compared with pure NG. Moreover, optimized NG/NCs demonstrated significant tumor suppression compared with pure NG in vivo. Conclusion: The NG/NCs would be an efficient formulation for enhancing oral bioavailability and chemotherapeutic efficacy of NG.