Characterization and Efficacy Evaluation of mPEG-PLGA/Taraxasterol Acetate Nanoparticles as Nano-Therapeutic Agents in Asthma Management

Dandelion, an herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine, contains a bioactive compound called taraxasterol acetate, which is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to synthesize mPEG-PLGA/taraxasterol acetate nanoparticles (NPs) and evaluate their efficacy in preventing asthma in a mouse model. The NPs were prepared using a Nanoprecipitation method, and their physicochemical characteristics were thoroughly investigated. The drug entrapment efficiency of the final formulation was determined to be 89.22%. The release profile of mPEG-PLGA/taraxasterol acetate NPs exhibited an initial burst followed by sustained release. Cytotoxicity assessments using L929 fibroblast cells and macrophages demonstrated the biocompatibility of the NPs. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthma and subsequently treated with either taraxasterol acetate or mPEG-PLGA/taraxasterol acetate NPs. Compared to taraxasterol acetate alone, mPEG-PLGA/taraxasterol acetate NPs significantly attenuated the increase in inflammatory cells and Th2 cytokines in the BALF. Moreover, mPEG-PLGA/taraxasterol acetate NPs notably reduced the concentration of OVA-specific IgE antibodies. These findings suggest that mPEG-PLGA/taraxasterol acetate NPs hold great promise as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of asthma.