The Potential of Ursolic Acid Nanoformulations As Drug Delivery Systems in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy and Research
Authors
Aditi Kaushik
Department of Biotechnology, NIILM University, Kaithal, India ,Neuroimaging and Neurospectroscopy (NINS) Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Gurgaon, India (IN)
Richa Mor
Department of Biotechnology, NIILM University, Kaithal, India (IN)
Sushila Kaura
Department of Pharmacology, Atam Institute of Pharmacy, OSGU, Hisar, India (IN)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.140400094
Subject Category: Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Chemistry
Volume/Issue: 14/4 | Page No: 795-800
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-05-17
Published: 2025-05-17
Abstract
Abstract: Scientific studies have demonstrated that Nanoparticles have become a promising contributor towards Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research prospects offering significant advantages in imaging diagnostics as well as therapy. These particles offer better prospects in terms of solubility, permeability and bioavailability due to their nanoscale size which enables effective drug delivery to particular brain areas while reducing off-target side-effects. Ursolic acid (UA), a bioactive compound with promising therapeutic properties, faces challenges in clinical applications due to its poor solubility and low bioavailability. To address these limitations, UA was encapsulated using three different polymer-based nanoparticle formulations: Gum Acacia (UGNPs), Eudragit (UE-NPs), and Gum Ghatti (UAGG-NPs). This study compares the physicochemical properties, drug loading efficiency, release profiles, and antioxidant activities of these UA-loaded nanoparticles. All formulations demonstrated effective encapsulation and sustained drug release, with notable variations in stability, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition. The findings suggest that polymer-based nanoparticles significantly enhance UA’s therapeutic potential, with each formulation exhibiting distinct advantages.
Further analysis unravels the comparative benefits of these delivery systems, highlighting their implications for oxidative stress-related and neurodegenerative disorders. UA-Nps demonstrated strong acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, suggesting a potential role in neurodegenerative disease therapy. This comparative analysis highlights the advantages of Eudragit-based nanoparticles for enhanced UA delivery while also recognizing the therapeutic potential of Gum Acacia and Gum Ghatti formulations. The safety, effectiveness and long-term consequences of nanotechnology-based UA formulation for AD treatment and management require further clinical research. The initial step in the same direction has been taken throughout this investigation and analysis.
Keywords
Drug Delivery, Nano biomedicine, Alzheimer’s Disease, Ursolic Acid
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References
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