In vivo studies show the benefits of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind (Tamarindusindica L.) (TTI) seeds in satiety and obesity. In the present study, TTI nanoencapsulation (ECW) was performed to potentialize the effect of TTI and allow a controlled release in the stomach. The impact on glycemia, insulin, and lipid profile was evaluated in Wistar rats overfed with a high glycemic index diet (HGLI). Characterization of the nanoparticles and in vitro stability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, monitored by antitrypsin activity and HPLC, was performed. ECW and empty nanoparticles (CW) were administered by gavage, using 12.5 and 10.0 mg/kg, respectively. Both nanoformulations presented a spherical shape and smooth surface, with an average diameter of 117.4 nm (24.1) for ECW and 123.9 nm (11.3) for CW. ECW maintained the antitrypsin activity (95.5%) in the gastric phase, while TTI was completely hydrolyzed. In Wistar rats, the nanoformulations significantly reduced glycemia and HOMA IR, and ECW increased HDL-c compared to CW (p < 0.05).Pancreas histopathology of animals treated with ECW suggested an onset of tissue repair. Thenanoencapsulation provided TTI protection, gradual release in the desired condition, and improvement of biochemical parameters related to carbohydrate metabolism disorders,without compromising insulinemia.

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Several studies have sought new therapies for obesity and liver diseases. This study investigated the effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI), nanoencapsulated in chitosan and whey protein isolate (ECW), on the liver health status of the Wistar rats fed with a high glycemic index (HGLI) diet. The nanoformulations without TTI (CW) and ECW were obtained by nanoprecipitation technique, physically and chemically characterized, and then administered to the animals. The adult male Wistar rats (n = 20) were allocated to four groups: HGLI diet + water; standard diet + water; HGLI diet + ECW (12.5 mg/kg); and HGLI diet + CW (10.0 mg/kg), 1 mL per gagave, for ten days. They were evaluated using biochemical and hematological parameters, Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis (FIB-4), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores, and liver morphology. Both nanoparticles presented spherical shape, smooth surface, and nanometric size [120.7 nm (ECW) and 136.4 nm (CW)]. In animals, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose (17%), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (39%), and alkaline phosphatase (24%). Besides, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) APRI and FIB-4 scores and presented a better aspect of hepatic morphology. ECW promoted benefits over a liver injury caused by the HGLI diet.

The study aimed to evaluate the nanoparticles (ECW) containing tamarind trypsin inhibitor (TTI) concerning the storage effect under different conditions on antitrypsin activity and the bioactive potential in a preclinical model. ECW was exposed to different pH and temperatures to evaluate the interaction between TTI and its encapsulating agents, monitored by antitrypsin activity. Wistar rats (n = 25) with obesity induced by diet were divided into groups: untreated; treatment with nutritionally adequate diet; treatment with nutritionally adequate diet and ECW/12.5 mg/kg; treatment with ECW/12.5 mg/kg; and treatment with TTI/25 mg/kg. The groups were evaluated over ten days with regards to satiety, zoometric, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters, using ten times less TTI (2.5 mg/kg) contained in ECW. TTI was protected and encapsulated in ECW without showing residual inhibitory activity. Only at gastric pH did ECW show antitrypsin activity. At different temperatures, it showed high antitrypsin activity, similar to TTI. The animals treated with ECW had significantly reduced body weight variation (p < 0.05), and only TTI treatment reduced the inflammatory parameters significantly (p < 0.05). The study showed that by using lower concentrations of TTI in ECW it was possible to perceive promising effects with perspectives of use in functional products for managing obesity and its complications.