RESUMEN
Nanosized dioscin-loaded zein-CMC (DZC) complex comprising dioscin (glycoside saponin), zein (corn protein), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is fabricated through anti-solvent coprecipitation. The optimized ratio of zein to CMC for the homogenous complexation is 5:1, and DZC maintains its stability in a wide range of pH (3.0-8.0) and ionic strength (0-50 mm NaCl). No biological toxicity of DZC is found in Caenorhabditis elegans with a normal lifespan and body size. Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopamine (DA) and dopaminergic neurons. In cat-2 mutant with defective biosynthesis of DA, DZC-fed animals show intact DA behaviors including basal slowing response (≈60%) and alcohol avoidance (≈80%). Such DA promotional effects are a result of the enhanced expression/activation of DA transporter, DAT-1 in DA neurons. Taken together, DZC has a potential for preventing PD as an oral-administered drugs and supplements.