Propolis-loaded/dextrose˗coated bilosomes for enhanced protection against CCl4-induced liver injury: In vitro and in vivo assessments

Abstract

Hepatoprotection against issues like alcohol, chemicals, infections, and drugs can terminate the progression into chronic deterioration. We planned to fabricate lectin receptors-targeted bilosomes (BLs), maximizing the hepatoprotective benefits of the nature-derived honey-glue; propolis (ProE). The thin film hydration approach ensnared ProE in different BLs that were evaluated regarding encapsulation efficiency percent (EE %), vesicular diameter (D_v), polydispersity index (PI), and zeta potential (ζ-potential). A selected formulation (F2) was decorated with dextrose (DEX) to create ProE-loaded/DEX-coated BLs which were thoroughly appraised concerning D_v, PI, ζ-potential, morphology, opsonization, physical stability, stability in biological fluids, in vitro release, and ultimately in vivo hepatoprotective effectiveness against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. F2 was selected as the preferred formulation based on its maximum EE% (92.70 ± 5.05 %), ζ-potential (−58.54 ± 7.73 mV), small D_v (91.96 ± 5.37 nm), and acceptable PI (0.408 ± 0.06). The DEX˗coating yielded homogeneous nanosized spherical BLs (116.23 ± 11.69 nm) manifesting an avoidance of opsonization. The configuration of ProE-loaded/DEX˗coated BLs was not disrupted by storage at 4 °C. The oral administration is recommended to be on an empty stomach. ProE-loaded/DEX˗coated BLs illustrated controlled release (64.35 ± 15.36 %). Among the pretreated groups, ProE-loaded/DEX˗coated BLs could hinder the rise in the hepatic (ALT, AST, and ALP) and inflammatory (CRP) markers. In the hepatic environment, the balance of oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, NOx, and Nrf-2/HO-1) and p53 expression level could be recovered via the pretreatment with ProE-loaded/DEX˗coated BLs. Thus, the ProE-loaded/DEX-coated BLs should be given as much attention as a promising hepatoprotective remedy.