Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma domestica (Zingiberaceae) that possesses diverse pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic activities. Although phase I clinical trials have shown curcumin as a safe drug even at high doses (12 g/day) in humans, poor bioavaibility largely limits its pharmacological activity. Nanoencapsulation in biodegradable polymers is a promising alternative to improve curcumin bioavaibility. In this study, curcumin was encapsulated in biodegradable polymer poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles via the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Optimization of selected parameters of this method including the type of solvent, surfactant concentration, drug loading, sonication time, and centrifugation speed, were performed to obtain polymeric nano-carriers with optimum characteristics. Dichloromethane was used as the solvent and vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) was used as the surfactant. Four minutes of sonication time and centrifugation at 10500 rpm were able to produce spherical nanoparticles with average size below 300 nm. The highest encapsulation efficiency was found on PLA nanoparticles containing 5% of curcumin at 89.42 ± 1.04%. The particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential of 5% curcumin-PLA nanoparticles were 387.50 ± 58.60 nm, 0.289 ± 0.047, and -1.12 mV, respectively. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) studies showed partial interaction between the drug and polymer.

Background: α-Mangostin is a major active compound of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) pericarp extract (MPE) that has potent antioxidant activity. Unfortunately, its poor aqueous solubility limits its therapeutic application. Purpose: This paper reports a promising approach to improve the clinical use of this substance through electrospinning technique. Methods: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was explored as a hydrophilic matrix to carry α-mangostin in MPE. Physicochemical properties of MPE:PVP nanofibers with various extract-to-polymer ratios were studied, including morphology, size, crystallinity, chemical interaction, and thermal behavior. Antioxidant activity and the release of α-mangostin, as the chemical marker of MPE, from the resulting fibers were investigated. Results: It was obtained that the MPE:PVP nanofiber mats were flat, bead-free, and in a size range of 387–586 nm. Peak shifts in Fourier-transform infrared spectra of PVP in the presence of MPE suggested hydrogen bond formation between MPE and PVP. The differential scanning calorimetric study revealed a noticeable endothermic event at 119°C in MPE:PVP nanofibers, indicating vaporization of moisture residue. This confirmed hygroscopic property of PVP. The absence of crystalline peaks of MPE at 2θ of 5.99°, 11.62°, and 13.01° in the X-ray diffraction patterns of electrospun MPE:PVP nanofibers showed amorphization of MPE by PVP after being electrospun. The radical scavenging activity of MPE:PVP nanofibers exhibited lower IC₅₀ value (55–67 µg/mL) in comparison with pure MPE (69 µg/mL). The PVP:MPE nanofibers tremendously increased the antioxidant activity of α-mangostin as well as its release rate. Applying high voltage in electrospinning process did not destroy the chemical structure of α-mangostin as indicated by retained in vitro antioxidant activity. The release rate of α-mangostin significantly increased from 35% to over 90% in 60 minutes. The release of α-mangostin from MPE:PVP nanofibers was dependent on α-mangostin concentration and particle size, as confirmed by the first-order kinetic model as well as the Hixson–Crowell kinetic model. Conclusion: We successfully synthesized MPE:PVP nanofiber mats with enhanced antioxidant activity and release rate, which can potentially improve the therapeutic effects offered by MPE.

The mushroom Agaricus bisporus secretes biologically active compounds and proteins with benefits for human health. Most reported proteins from A. bisporus are tyrosinases and lectins. Lectins are of therapeutic or pharmaceutical interest. To date, only limited information is available on A. bisporus lectins and lectin-like proteins. No therapeutic products derived from A. bisporus lectin (ABL) are available on the market despite its extensive exploration. Recently, A. bisporus mannose-binding protein (Abmb) was discovered. Its discovery enriches the information and increases the interest in proteins with therapeutic potential from this mushroom. Furthermore, the A. bisporus genome reveals the possible occurrence of other lectins in this mushroom that may also have therapeutic potential. Most of these putative lectins belong to the same lectin groups as ABL and Abmb. Their relationship is discussed. Particular attention is addressed to ABL and Abmb, which have been explored for their potential in medicinal or pharmaceutical applications. ABL and Abmb have anti-proliferative activities toward cancer cells and a stimulatory effect on the immune system. Possible scenarios for their use in therapy and modification are also presented.