Preparation of chitosan nanoparticle from crab shells and evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of chitosan-loaded Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. stembark extract

Abstract

Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. is a tree belonging to the Family Anacardiaceae whose morphological parts have been used for decades for treating various diseases in Northern Nigeria. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles from crab shells and evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of chitosan loaded with stembark extract from H. barteri. Phytochemical screening of extract, preparation of chitosan, and evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out following standard procedures. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides while steroids, triterpenes and anthracenes were absent. The LD₅₀ of the crude methanol extract in Wistar albino rats was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight and after 14 days of single dose oral administration. No signs of toxicity were recorded. Prepared chitosan nanoparticle loaded with extract has a yield of 26.54 %, particle size of 210 ± 1.01 nm, zeta potential of 25.4 ± 1.02 V, drug entrapment efficiency of 68.4 %, cumulative drug release of 88.24 % and swelling index of 58.14 %. The extract produced a dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The chitosan-loaded extract produced the highest inhibition of writhing and paw oedema diameter in the rats, which was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with the normal controls and standards. In conclusion, the study showed that chitosanloaded stembark extract from H. barteri possessed more potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities than those delivered without chitosan nanoparticles. The study further affirms the potential usefulness use of the stembark extract for the treatment of pain and inflammation.