Dose-dependent hepatoprotective action of alginate biopolymer encapsulated catechin nanoparticles

Catechins are the predominant form of flavonoids present in plants and have high antioxidant capacity, but their usage is limited in clinical practice due to low bioavailability. Nano formulation of catechin was prepared by using sodium alginate polymer to address the bioavailability problem. Nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. In vivo antioxidant property of alginate-coated catechin nanoparticles was assessed against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatopathy in a rat model. Rats were randomly divided into ten groups, with six rats (n = 6) in each group. Carbon tetrachloride @ 4 ml/Kg body weight was used to cause subacute hepatotoxicity in rats; Group I (healthy control), Group II (disease control), Group III (blank catechin), Group IV (blank alginate), Group V (Silymarin), Group VI and Group VII (Alginate coated catechin nanoparticles, two different dose intervals), Group VIII, Group IX, Group X (Alginate coated catechin nanoparticles, Three different doses). Oxidative stress assay, histopathological examination, and May-Grünwald staining were done on the 28th day of the trial. Haemato-biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers on the 28th day in the rats of Group VI showed significant improvement as compared to other groups. Significant improvement in the healing pattern of gross tissues of the liver was observed in Group VI. May-Grünwald Giemsa staining depicted prominent regenerative changes in liver cells in Group VI. The study concluded that the alginate coating of catechin improves the bioavailability and depicted better regeneration of hepatocytes.