Cardioprotective Effect of Nanoencapsulated α-Amyrin in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) encompasses a cluster of disorders that significantly increase cardiovascular risk. While α-amyrin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability hinder its clinical use. This study evaluated the cardioprotective effects of α-amyrin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCαA) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with sucrose-induced MS.

Methods

First, NCαA was prepared via interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer following organic solvent displacement. The formulation was characterized for particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and storage stability. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) received 20% sucrose for 8 weeks and were treated daily by oral gavage for 28 days with NCαA (0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg/kg), unformulated α-amyrin (1 mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg), vehicle, or blank nanocapsules. Cardiovascular, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, vascular, renal, and biochemical parameters were subsequently assessed.