Formulation and Evaluation of Niosomes of Fortified Bacoside: A Rich Fraction from Bacopa Monnieri for Memory Enhancement

Abstract

The triterpenoid saponins, bacosides, and bacoside A are the main active ingredients of Bacopa monnieri that have been shown to improve intelligence or cognition. Bacoside A's low aqueous solubility and blood brain barrier (BBB) restriction are the two factors that limit its bioavailability and clinical efficacy for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Colostrum from cows enhances the cognitive benefits of Bacoside A. In order to deliver Bacopa monnieri 's fortified Bacoside A fraction (Fort-BAF) with enhanced oral bioavailability for possible memory-enhancing activity, the goal of this study was to create and assess the best niosomal formulation. Niosomes were created using the thin-film hydration method, and the hydration volume, cholesterol, and span 60 were the main variables that were optimised using a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The stability and compatibility of Fort-BAF with other formulation ingredients were validated by preformulation studies. Fort-BAF (BN9)'s optimal niosomal formulation was made and described. An in vivo biological evaluation and in vitro release were conducted to investigate the memory-enhancing properties of the optimised niosomal formulation (BN9) in comparison to the Bacoside A rich fraction. With a favourable zeta potential of -28.5 mV, a small particle size of 121.7±3.22 nm, and a high entrapment efficiency of 87.56%, the optimised BN9 showed promising properties that indicated stability and efficacy. According to the Higuchi model, in vitro drug release studies showed that 75.42% of the drug was released in an hour. The niosomes' spherical shape and porous structure were validated by SEM and TEM analyses. According to stability tests, the formulation holds up well over a three-month period. According to in-vivo research findings, BN9 may improve learning and memory. The findings imply that niosomes can greatly improve the Fort-BAF's stability and bioavailability. The potential of niosomal formulations as a viable method for delivering Bacopa monnieri 's Fort-BAF to the brain in neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement treatments is highlighted by this study.