Design and Optimization of Nanophytosomes Containing Mucuna prureins Hydroalcoholic Extract for Enhancement of Antidepressant Activity

Purpose In this study, the herbal formulation containing nanophytosomes of Mucuna prureins extract (MPE) was engineered to ameliorate its rate of drug release, in vivo antidepressant profile, and stability. Method The Mucuna prureins nanophytosomes (MPP) were designed by using a full factorial design approach, taking into consideration various variables that could give optimized formulation. Then, pure extract and optimized formulation showing higher entrapment efficiency were studied for in vitro dissolution and in vivo antidepressant activity in depression models like forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in Swiss albino mice. The physicochemical characterization was carried out using particle size analysis and zeta potential, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, powder X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, and solubility studies. Moreover, the stability of nanophytosomes was assessed by subjecting optimized formulation to freeze–thaw cycle stability testing and calculating entrapment efficiency at the end of the cycle. Results PXRD and SEM revealed a decrease in the crystalline nature of nanophytosomes. 1 H NMR, DSC, and FTIR asserted the formation of the phyto-phospholipids complex. The rate and extent of dissolution were also found enhanced and sustained in nanophytosomes as compared to pure extract. In vivo antidepressant activity depicted a significant reduction of immobility in mice treated with nanophytosomes as compared to those treated with the pure extract. Moreover, optimized formulation was found stable as entrapment efficiency values were not reduced significantly. Conclusion Thus, nanophytosomes drug delivery could be the best strategy to improve physicochemical properties of extract and thus could be exploited for the extracts having poor solubility, poor permeability, and poor stability. Graphical Abstract