Therapeutic significance of thymoquinone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats: In vitro and in vivo functional analysis

To overcome the low bioavailability of lipophilic free thymoquinone (TQ), this study aims to evaluate a novel oral formula of TQ-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (TQ-CsNPs) for the effective treatment of diabetes. The XRD, FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, and dynamic light scattering were all conducted on the prepared formula. The release pattern of TQ, cytotoxicity against MRC-5 cell line (human lung fibroblast cells), and antidiabetic activity on streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ/NA) rat model of diabetes were investigated. The results confirmed the formation of TQ-CsNPs with an entrapment efficiency of 75.7 ± 6.52 %, a mean Zetasizer distribution of 84.25 nm, and an average particle size of about 50 nm. After 24 h, the percentage of free TQ-cumulative release was approximately 35.8 %, whereas TQ-CsNPs showed a sustained release pattern of 78.5 %. The investigated formula was not toxic to normal lung cells, and more efficient in ameliorating the altered glycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress induced by STZ/NA than free TQ, blank CsNPs, and metformin-HCl (as a reference drug). Additionally, TQ-CsNPs restored the normal pancreatic islets' configuration and morphometry, suggesting a potent insulinotropic action. In conclusion, the antidiabetic efficacy of TQ was improved by engaging TQ with CsNPs as an excellent nanoplatform to enhance the oral bioavailability of TQ.