Lipids Fortified Nano Phytopharmaceuticals: A Breakthrough Approach in Delivering Bio-actives for Improved Therapeutic Efficacy.

Phytopharmaceuticals, derived from natural sources, manifest tremendous potential for therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, effective delivery of these bio-actives presents significant challenges. A breakthrough in fortifying phytopharmaceuticals within phosphatidylcholine is a promising remedy to overcome solubility, permeability, and other related drawbacks. This intrinsic lipid, which is obtained from both natural and synthetic sources, confers numerous benefits, encompassing heightened solubility, augmented bioavailability, and enhanced stability. The conjugation of phytopharmaceuticals with phosphatidylcholine enables improved dermal permeation, absorption, targeted distribution, and the possibility of synergistic results, eventually improving therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the use of phytopharmaceuticals enriched with phosphatidylcholine presents a promising route for overcoming the limitations imposed by conventional delivery techniques, encouraging more effective treatments. The review provides a thorough analysis of phosphatidylcholine- incorporated phytopharmaceuticals as nanomedicine with variables that significantly affect their therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the review elaborates on how phosphatidylcholine improves solubility, permeability, and tissue distribution and boosts the potential of phytopharmaceuticals. Further, the review underscores the significance of nano-formulation strategies, analytical methodologies, and forthcoming prospects to propel this field forward. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the potential inherent in this innovative approach while highlighting the importance of additional research endeavors and collaborative initiatives to unlock the therapeutic benefits of phosphatidylcholinefortified phytopharmaceuticals, enhancing patient well-being.

Andrographolide suppresses epithelial mesenchymal transition by inhibition of MAPK signalling pathway in lens epithelial cells.

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) may contribute to the development of posterior capsular opacification (PCO), which leads to visual impairment. Andrographolide has been shown to have therapeutic potential against various cancers. However, its effect on human LECs is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of andrographolide on EMT induced by growth factors in the fetal human lens epithelial cell line (FHL 124). Initially the LECs were treated with growth factors (TGF-beta 2 and bFGF) to induce EMT. Subsequently these EMT-induced cells were treated with andrographolide at 100 and 500 nM concentrations for 24 h. Our results showed that FHL 124 cells treated with growth factors had a significant decrease in protein and m-RNA levels of epithelial markers pax6 and E-Cadherin. After administering andrographolide, these levels significantly increased. It was noticed that EMT markers alpha-SMA, fibronectin and collagen IV significantly decreased after treatment with andrographolide when compared to the other group. Treatment with andrographolide significantly inhibited phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Cell cycle analysis showed that andrographolide did not arrest cells at G0/G1 or G2/M at tested concentrations. Our findings suggest that andrographolide helps sustain epithelial characteristics by modulating EMT markers and inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway in LECs. Hence it can prove to be useful in curbing EMT-mediated PCO.

Andrographolide reduces proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells by modulating PI3K/Akt pathway.

Lens epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation are involved in the development of subcapsular cataracts and postoperative capsular opacification (PCO). PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells. Andrographolide is the main bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata and is known to possess anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of andrographolide on proliferation and migration induced by growth factors (TGF-ß and bFGF) in the lens epithelial cell line, FHL 124. We have also evaluated the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway and its alteration by andrographolide during proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells. The results showed that andrographolide significantly inhibited proliferation in a dose and time dependent manner. The growth factors, TGF-ß and bFGF, induced migration of lens epithelial cells, which was lowered by andrographolide. The growth factors also up regulated phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) and Akt (Thr308), which was abolished by simultaneous treatment of andrographolide. Similar changes were also observed with the PI3K inhibitor, LY290042. Our findings suggest that andrographolide reduces proliferation, migration, and phosphorylated Akt levels in lens epithelial cells. Hence andrographolide can be utilized for the prevention of PCO.