Evaluation of Chitosan-Based Nano-Encapsulated Diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata for Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: Roles of Analytical Chemistry Medical Imaging, and Biochemical Assessment

Authors

  • S. I. Okonkwo Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • J. A. Ezugwu Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • I. P. Oragwu Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • C. K. Okonkwo Department of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Ultrasound Technology, Ace Institute of Technology, Elmhurst, New York, USA
  • P. O. Okwuego Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • A. T. Kene Okonkwo Tansian University,Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • V. S. Okonkwo Department of Medical Biochemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria
  • S. C. Okonkwo Department of Pharmacology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajcp.v4i1.5356

Keywords:

Andrographis Paniculata, Chitosan, Diterpenoids, FTIR, LC-MS, Nano-Encapsulation, Sonography, Targeted Drug Delivery, TEM

Abstract

The formulation, characterization, and therapeutic potential of Andrographis paniculata-derived chitosan-based nano-encapsulated diterpenoids for targeted anti-inflammatory therapy are examined in this study. Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, such as UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR, and GC-MS, were used to isolate and characterize two important bioactive compounds: 14-deoxy-11,12 didehydroandrographolide and neoandrographolide. The existence of functional groups including amines, carbonyls, thiols, and nitro compounds—which support the compounds’ anti-inflammatory qualities—was verified by FTIR spectra. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that spherical nanoparticles with mesoporous structures (22.10 nm) were produced by ionic gelation using chitosan and sodium sulfate, followed by sonication, to accomplish nano-encapsulation. High encapsulation efficiency (82.5% for the main isolate) and a biphasic drug release profile—an initial burst followed by a sustained release over four hours—were demonstrated by the encapsulated compounds. In carrageenan-induced Wistar rats, sonographic imaging showed a significant decrease in paw thickness and vascular perfusion after therapy. This was supported by improved liver and kidney function and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP). A comparative analysis revealed that the nanoformulated extract exhibited less toxicity and performed on par with or better than common anti-inflammatory medications, such as Diclofenac. The effectiveness of A. paniculata nanoformulations for safer, longer-lasting, and more focused anti-inflammatory treatment is supported by this multidisciplinary approach that combines phytochemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, imaging, and biochemical validation.

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Published

2025-09-29

How to Cite

Okonkwo, S. I., Ezugwu , J. A., Oragwu, I. P., Okonkwo, C. K., Okwuego, P. O., Kene-Okonkwo, A. T., Okonkwo , V. S., & Okonkwo , S. C. (2025). Evaluation of Chitosan-Based Nano-Encapsulated Diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata for Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: Roles of Analytical Chemistry Medical Imaging, and Biochemical Assessment. American Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 4(1), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajcp.v4i1.5356

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): American Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy

Section

Review Article

License

Copyright (c) 2025 S. I. Okonkwo, J. A. Ezugwu, I. P. Oragwu, C. K. Okonkwo, P. O. Okwuego, A. T. Kene Okonkwo, V. S. Okonkwo, S. C. Okonkwo

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.