Preclinical evaluation of Asparagus stipularis in a rat model of metabolic syndrome and development of its nanoencapsulated form

Context: Asparagus stipularis Forssk decoction (ASD) has shown potential metabolic and antioxidant benefits, yet its effects on pancreatic dysfunction associated with metabolic syndrome remain insufficiently explored. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the pancreatic protective properties of ASD in high-fructose diet (HFrD)-fed rats and to characterize ASD-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as a delivery system to enhance its therapeutic potential. Methods: Rats were fed an HFrD and treated with ASD at two dose levels. Serum α-amylase and lipase activities were measured to assess digestive enzyme modulation. Pancreatic lipid peroxidation was quantified using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), while antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were determined. Histopathological examination was performed to evaluate structural alterations in pancreatic tissues. ASD was encapsulated into PLGA NPs, and particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were analyzed. Results: ASD significantly reduced serum α-amylase activity to 2285.3 ± 256.6 U/L (low dose) and 1846.4 ± 82.8 U/L (high dose) compared to HFrD controls. Serum lipase activity decreased by 13% and 18% at the respective doses. TBARS levels were markedly reduced, and antioxidant enzyme activities were restored to near-control levels. Histological analysis revealed improved β-cell morphology and reduced acinar degeneration. ASD-loaded PLGA NPs exhibited a mean size of 248 ± 5 nm, PdI of 0.13 ± 0.01, ZP of −24.7 ± 1.3 mV, and an EE of 75.5 ± 3.2%. Conclusion: ASD demonstrates significant pancreatic protective effects, and nanoencapsulation enhances its therapeutic promise for metabolic disorders.