Nano-Aromatic Drugs Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Bergamot Essential Oil for Anti-Depression

J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2021 Jun 1;17(6):1242-1248. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3100.

Abstract

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood as the main pathological feature. Current medications for depression have long treatment cycles and serious side effects. Aromatherapy can alleviate depression in a "moistening things silently" way, but the fast evaporation rate of aromatic drugs weakens the effect of aromatherapy. In this study, we designed and prepared nano-aromatic drugs with slow release for anti-depressant application. We first synthesized rod-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and encapsulated bergamot essential oil. These nanoaromatic drugs were named BEO@MSNs. Subsequently, we analyzed the pore properties of MSNs and BEO@MSNs. Further, we explored the thermal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and slow-release properties of bergamot essential oil in BEO@MSNs. Finally, we used BEO@MSNs to alleviate depression in mice while constructing depression model mice via corticosterone. The results showed that BEO@MSNs had excellent anti-depressant effects and biosafety.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Oils, Volatile*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations*
  • Porosity
  • Silicon Dioxide

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Silicon Dioxide