Clove volatile oil-loaded nanoemulsion reduces the anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Clove volatile oil (CVO) and its major compound, eugenol (EUG), have anxiolytic effects, but their clinical use has been impaired due to their low bioavailability. Thus, their encapsulation in nanosystems can be an alternative to overcome these limitations. OBJECTIVES: This work aims to prepare, characterize and study the anxiolytic potential of CVO loaded-nanoemulsions (CVO-NE) against anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). METHODS: The CVO-NE was prepared using Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides as stabilizing agent. The drug-excipient interactions were performed, as well as colloidal characterization of CVO-NE and empty nanoemulsion (B-NE). The acute toxicity and potential anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE against adult zebrafish models were determined. RESULTS: CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE presented low acute toxicity, reduced the locomotor activity and anxious-like behavior of the zebrafish at 4 - 20 mg kg-1. CVO-NE reduced the anxious-like behavior of adult zebrafish without affecting their locomotor activity. In addition, it was demonstrated that anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG and CVO-NE is linked to the involvement of GABAergic pathway. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study demonstrates the anxiolytic effect of CVO, in addition to providing a new nanoformulation for its administration.

Polysaccharides and extracts from Agaricus brasiliensis Murill - A comprehensive review.

Edible mushrooms have been increasingly introduced into the human diet, which has driven research into their functional properties. Thus, Agaricus brasiliensis Murill or Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is a species native to the Brazilian biome, whose fruiting body has been used not only for dietary purposes, but also in the development of functional foods or as source of molecules of pharmacological interest. The bioactivity of ABM has been related to the presence of polysaccharides, although the contribution of other metabolites cannot be discharged. This work describes the polysaccharides isolation methodology and preparation of the extracts of ABM and their biological activities. Furthermore, it presents a general outline of its characterizations regarding composition, chemical structure and properties in solution. The ABM and its chemical constituents exhibit several biological activities that support their potential use for prevention or treatment of diseases with inflammatory background, such as cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. The mechanism of action of the extracts and polysaccharides from ABM is mainly related to a modulation of immune system response or reduction of inflammatory response. This review shows that the ABM has great potential in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and food sectors that deserves additional research using standardized products.