Following the high treatment gap and massive impact of epilepsy on global health particularly in low- and middle-income countries, our study aims to investigate cryptolepine, the major alkaloid of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta as well as its solid-lipid nanoparticle formulation for potential antiseizure activity. Cryptolepine was isolated and a solid-lipid formulation was prepared. Antiseizure activity of Solid-Lipid Nanoparticle formulation of cryptolepine (SLN-CRYP) was investigated using Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced model of seizure-like behaviors in Zebrafish with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg each of cryptolepine and SLN-CRYP. Drug receptor binding and permeability of the compound across the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) were also assessed. SLN formulation of cryptolepine increased its permeability to the BBB from 0.32 × 10-6 cm/s to 10.81 × 10-6 cm/s. 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of SLN-CRYP significantly reduced mean seizure score (P = 0.0018; F(6, 63) = 23.52) and significantly increased (P < 0.0001; F(6, 63) = 65.41) latency to onset of seizures. The total distance swam by fish administered with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of SLN-CRYP was significantly (P < 0.000; F(6, 63) = 161.9) decreased. 5 mg/kg of cryptolepine also significantly decreased swimming distance. Cryptolepine exhibited inhibitory modulation of human voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav1.2), H1-receptor, Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor and Sigma 2 receptor with a high Ki values of 6133.38 nM and 2945.0 nM, indicating less potent antagonism on Cav1.2 and Sigma 2 receptors compared to Nifedipine and Haloperidol respectively. This study reveals that the solid-lipid nanoparticle formulation of cryptolepine improves its BBB permeability and hence antiseizure activity.
Keywords: Cav1.2 receptor; Cryptolepis; Epilepsy; Nanoparticles; Sigma 2 receptor; Zebrafish.
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