Safety and bioactive potential of nanoparticles containing Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) carotenoids in an experimental model of chronic inflammation
Isaiane Medeiros, Grazielle Louise Ribeiro De Oliveira, Jaluza Luana Carvalho de Queiroz, Camila de Carvalho Gomes, Fabiana Maria Coimbra de Carvalho, Maíra Conceição Jerônimo De Souza Lima, Alexandre Coelho Serquiz, Pedro Paulo de Andrade Santos, Christina da Silva Camillo, Bruna Leal Lima Maciel, Ana Heloneida de Araújo Morais, Thaís Souza Passos
Abstract
The safety and bioactive potential of crude carotenoid extract from Cantaloupe melon nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) were evaluated in a chronic inflammatory experimental model. Animals were fed a high glycemic index and high glycemic load (HGLI) diet for 17 weeks and treated for ten days with 1) HGLI diet, 2) standard diet, 3) HGLI diet + crude carotenoid extract (CE) (12.5 mg/kg), and 4) HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/kg). General toxicity signals were investigated, considering body weight, food intake, hematological, biochemical parameters, relative weight, morphology, and histopathology of organs. The biochemical parameters indicated the low toxicity of EPG. Acute hepatitis was observed in animals' livers, but CE and EPG groups presented improved tissue appearance. Chronic enteritis was observed in animals, with villi and intestinal glands preservation in the EPG group. The results suggest the safety and the bioactive effect of EPG, possibly related to its anti-inflammatory potential.