Nanocomposites of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage-mediated selenium nanoparticles and nanochitosan as antidiabetic candidates in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: (OFI) fruit has various pharmacological properties as a source of bioactive compounds, which have shown effectiveness in diabetes treatment. Methods: Fruits peel mucilage (FM) was extracted from OFI fruit for the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), which were then encapsulated with chitosan (Ch) to generate nanocomposites (Ch/FM/SeNPs). This study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of nanocomposites (Ch/FM/SeNPs) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Accordingly, rats were divided into six groups, namely, normal control (GI), diabetic control (GII), treatment groups (GIII, GIV, and GV) administered nanocomposite powder (Ch/FM/SeNPs) with concentrations 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively, and (GVI) received glibenclamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, the rats were subjected to analysis including body weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, and hepatic and renal function tests. Results: The nanocomposite (Ch/FM/SeNPs) had an average particle size (PS) of 81.18 nm and a positive charge (+30.11 mV), with an equivalent ratio of Ch and FM/SeNPs (1:1). The average particle size of FM/SeNPs was 6.34 nm with a negative charge (-25.93 mV). The morphological characteristics indicated semi-spherical shapes of the nanocomposites (NCs) and stabilization and homogenous distribution of SeNPs within the polymer nanocomposites. The results indicated that treatment of diabetic rats with nanocomposite powder (Ch/FM/SeNPs) at a concentration of 0.3 mg/kg resulted in significant increases in body weight, along with significant reductions in blood glucose levels and improvement in biological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatic and renal function. Conclusion: Promisingly, the nanocomposite (Ch/FM/SeNPs) can be used as a hypoglycemic compound; therefore, it could be recommended for the development of antidiabetic drugs.