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image of Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antidepressant Potential of Crocus sativus SLN Nasal Spray in a Drosophila melanogaster Model

Abstract

Objectives

To develop and characterize a (saffron)-based solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) nasal spray for treating depression by enabling direct nose-to-brain delivery and evaluating its antidepressant potential in a model.

Materials and Methods

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant assays, and HPLC quantification of picrocrocin were performed on extract. The SLN-based nasal spray was formulated and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability over 4 weeks. The antidepressant efficacy was assessed via a climbing assay in .

Results

Phytochemical analysis revealed phenolic content (11–36 μg GAE/mg), flavonoid content (43–56 μg QE/mg), and carotenoid content (1.9–30 μg βC/mg). HPLC analysis quantified picrocrocin at 6.3 mg/g, confirming its presence. The SLNs exhibited a particle size of 110–225 nm, a zeta potential of -1 to -0.8 mV, a PDI of 1, and a drug entrapment efficiency of 99.76%. Drug release reached 37% over 270 minutes, and the nasal spray maintained a pH of 5.8, a viscosity of 23.1 cP, and stability over 4 weeks. In vivo, the climbing assay demonstrated improved locomotor activity, indicating significant antidepressant potential.

Discussion

The favorable physicochemical characteristics of the nasal spray, along with the observed behavioral improvements in the fly model, suggest that SLNs effectively cross the nasal-brain barrier and exert antidepressant-like effects. These findings support its potential for non-invasive management of treatment-resistant depression.

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2025-06-12
2025-09-12

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Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antidepressant Potential of Crocus sativus SLN Nasal Spray in a Drosophila melanogaster Model
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073385084250523043452
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073385084250523043452
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073385084250523043452
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: saffron ; solid lipid nanoparticle ; nasal spray ; Antidepressant ; drosophila

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