Gum Arabic microencapsulated Spondia mombin particles induced delayed modulatory potential on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Spondia mombin stems are traditionally used for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study examines the impact of microencapsulation on S. mombin’s anti-BPH properties, comparing the crude and encapsulated extracts. Microencapsulated particles of S. mombin (S-Mp) were prepared using acacia gum and characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), micromeritic analysis, and dissolution studies. The anti-BPH activity of S-Mp, blank particles (B-Mp), and crude extracts was evaluated in vivo by measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA), serum testosterone, and prostate index (PI) in male rats. SEM analysis showed larger particle sizes in S-Mp (50–80 µm) compared to B-Mp (>50) which may indicate the addition of active drug in the blank microspheres or due to other cohesive forces affecting particle size distribution, drug agglomeration. EDX revealed the presence of oxygen, sodium, carbon, and sulfur in both S-Mp and B-Mp, with significant compositional differences. FTIR analysis identified additional peaks in S-Mp, suggesting interactions with acacia gum. Micromeritic analysis demonstrated improved flow properties for S-Mp, with an angle of repose of 27.9°, compressibility index of 6.06%, and Hausner’s ratio of 1.06, indicating better handling potential. Dissolution studies revealed that S-Mp had significantly higher absorbance values compared to B-Mp at all time points, indicating enhanced dissolution rates. The absorbance of S-Mp steadily increased from 0.9085 at 5 minutes to 1.2600 at 60 minutes, while B-Mp showed lower and relatively constant values throughout. In vivo, the crude extract demonstrated dose-dependent PSA reduction, peaking at 400 mg/kg, while S-Mp showed maximum reduction at 100 mg/kg, with diminished effects at higher doses. Encapsulation delayed release and reduced overall efficacy, as reflected in the dissolution data. Serum testosterone levels also decreased significantly upon encapsulation. S. mombin exhibits notable anti-BPH activity, but microencapsulation with acacia gum reduces efficacy due to delayed release, despite improved dissolution rates.