A comparative in vivo Evaluation of Anti-Alzheimer Activity of Bacopa Extract and its Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Background: Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi; family Scrophulariaceae) is a well-known plant known for its nootropic activity. Delivery of Bacosides (an active constituent) is limited at the site of action owing to the existence of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). In order to take the Bacoside- Rich Extract (BRE) across BBB, formulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were used. Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior (in vivo potential) of the prepared SLNs containing BRE in comparison to BRE alone for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Swiss albino male mice (25-30 gm) were used for the study. The pharmacokinetic, as well as pharmacodynamic evaluation of formulated SLNs, were performed in comparison to BRE in a scopolamine-induced amnesia model. Results: BRE-loaded SLNs were found to be significantly more effective than BRE in alleviating neurodegeneration. The pharmacokinetic study revealed the improved bioavailability of prepared SLNs with the potential of sustaining the drug release in mice for an extended period of time. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the SLNs can be considered as a potential delivery system for taking BRE across the BBB to treat Alzheimer’s disease.