Publications

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. Resveratrol and artemisinin, two naturally occurring compounds with a wide range of biological activities, have been reported to exert antitumor effects against several types of cancer. In this work, Eudragit-coated liposomes were developed to safely transport resveratrol and artemisinin through the gastrointestinal tract and target the intestine. The physico-chemical properties of the Eudragit-coated liposomes were assessed by light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Nanosized (around 100 nm), spherical or elongated, unilamellar vesicles were produced. The protective effect of the Eudragit coating was confirmed by assessing the physical stability of the vesicles in fluids mimicking the gastrointestinal environment. Furthermore, the vesicles were found to exert a pro-oxidant activity in intestinal adenocarcinoma cells, which resulted in a marked mortality due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A time- and dose-dependent cell growth inhibitory effect was detected, with elevated ROS levels when resveratrol and artemisinin were combined. Therefore, the proposed formulations may represent a valuable means to counteract intestinal tumor growth.

JTD Keywords: antitumor, artemisinin, eudragit, intestinal delivery, liposomes, Antitumor, Artemisinin, Eudragit, Intestinal delivery, Liposomes, Resveratrol

Quercetin, a natural polyphenol with strong antioxidant activity, was loaded in Eudragit-coated liposomes conceived for intestinal delivery. Eudragit was used to form a protective shell on the surface of liposomes to resist gastric environment and allow the delivery of quercetin to the intestine. The physico-chemical properties of the liposomes were assessed by light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Small, spherical, uni- and bilamellar liposomes were produced, with the presence of multilamellar structures in Eudragit-coated liposomes. The Eudragit coating increased the physical stability of the vesicular system in fluids mimicking the gastrointestinal environment. Further, the incorporation of quercetin in the vesicular system did not affect its intrinsic antioxidant activity, as DPPH radical was almost completely inhibited, and the vesicles were also capable of ensuring optimal protection against oxidative stress in human intestinal cells by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)production. The proposed approach based on quercetin vesicular formulations may be of value in the treatment of pathological conditions associated with intestinal oxidative stress.

JTD Keywords: Antioxidant, Eudragit, HT-29 cells, Intestinal delivery, Liposomes, Quercetin