Nanomedicine Journal

Nanomedicine Journal

Polymeric nanoparticles containing 4-methoxychalcone attenuates hyperglycemia in diabetes-induced mice

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Leonard Domingo Rosales Acho 1
Serafim Florentino Neto 1
Angela Maria Comapa Barros 1
Rosivaldo dos Santos Borges 2
Breno N. Matos 3
Tatiane Pereira de Souza 1
Guilherme Martins Gelfuso 3
Jesús Rafael Rodriguez Amado 4
Morteza Golbashirzadeh 5
Emersom Silva Lima 1
1 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
2 Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
3 Laboratory of Medicine, Food and Cosmetic Technology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
4 Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
5 Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chabahar University of Medical Science, Chabahar, Iran
10.22038/nmj.2025.89217.2260
Abstract
Objective(s): Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent disturbances in glucose homeostasis. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve glycemic control while minimizing toxicity. This study investigated the hypoglycemic potential of 4‑methoxychalcone (MPP), synthesized via the Claisen–Schmidt reaction, and evaluated the efficacy of its nanoencapsulation in diabetic mice.
Methods: MPP was synthesized and subsequently nanoencapsulated (NCs) using ethanol, isopropyl palmitate, and organic phase surfactants. Nanocarriers were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Diabetes was induced in CL57/6BL mice using streptozotocin/nicotinamide. Animals were treated for 28 days with free MPP (200 mg/kg), metformin (200 mg/kg), or NCs (10 mg/kg). Biochemical assays were performed on blood samples, and histological analyses were conducted on liver tissues.
Results: NCs exhibited a mean particle size of 187 nm, zeta potential of −19.9 mV, and PDI of 0.21, demonstrating stability across varying temperatures and pH conditions. TEM confirmed spherical morphology and uniform distribution. Both metformin (176.33 ± 44.68 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) and NCs (163.2 ± 76.3 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) significantly reduced blood glucose levels. NCs further normalized glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) without evidence of hepatotoxicity, as indicated by low malondialdehyde levels and preserved liver histology.
Conclusion: Nanoencapsulation of MPP enhances its antidiabetic efficacy, enabling therapeutic effects at lower doses while reducing toxicity risks. This strategy represents a promising approach for the development of safer and more effective antidiabetic interventions.
Keywords
Diabetes mellitus
Glycated hemoglobin
Hypoglycemic agents
Mice
Nanocapsules
Subjects
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Nanomedicine Journal
Volume 13, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 159-169