Detection of astaxanthin at different regions of the brain in rats treated with astaxanthin nanoemulsion

• Published in: Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences
• Main Author: Chik M.; Mohd Affandi M.M.; Singh G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85131652772&doi=10.4103%2fjpbs.jpbs_464_21&partnerID=40&md5=b4f65d0da368e51bad2e74db5fdc85f7

Context: Astaxanthin (Ast), a compound used widely as a dietary supplement, has high antioxidant properties but poor oral bioavailability. To benefit from its nutritional values in cognitive function, Ast was formulated into a nanoemulsion which may improve its penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Aim: The present study aims to quantitate the Ast nanoemulsion in different regions of the brain tissue using the high-performance liquid chromatography method. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with Ast nanoemulsion formulation daily (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight, bw) for 28 days before brain tissues were harvested, extracted, and quantified. A simple, sensitive, and reliable method using high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolent detector was developed and validated to quantify Ast in the brain. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the ToolPak Data Analysis in Excel for t-test and analysis of variance single factor with Tukey post hoc analysis. Results: The calibration curve demonstrated a linear regression with an r 2 of 0.9998 and absolute recovery ranging from 97.8% to 109.6%. The hippocampus of the 160 mg/kg bw treatment group showed a significantly higher concentration of Ast (77.9 ± 17.3 μg/g) compared to the cortex (22.3 ± 4.2 μg/g) and cerebellum (33.1 ± 5.4 μg/g). Ast was detected in the cerebellum of the 80 mg/kg bw (29.4 ± 7.8 μg/g) treatment group with the amount not being significantly different to the 160 mg/kg bw (33.1 ± 5.4 μg/g) treatment group. Conclusions: It was evident that the Ast nanoemulsion formulated was able to cross the BBB and may provide protective benefits. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.