Exploring Chitosan/Clay Microparticles Enriched with Fenugreek Extract as a Potential Treatment Strategy for Infectious Diarrhea: Preclinical Investigation

The objective of this study was to develop a new delivery system, Fenugreek extract loaded into chitosan/clay particles, to treat bacterial diarrhea in a rat model. Microstructure studies, cell viability assay, release assay, antibacterial assay, and anti-inflammatory assay were performed to characterize the delivery system in vitro. The submicron-sized particles were nontoxic to intestinal epithelial cells. The animals receiving the Fenugreek extract-loaded chitosan/clay particles had significantly less defecation frequency, stool water content, and weight loss in vivo. Their blood parameters (complete blood count and blood electrolytes levels) were improved. The histopathological examination revealed significantly lower mucus-filled Goblet cells. The results from enzyme-linked immunoassay showed that the Fenugreek extract-delivering microparticles reduced the tissue level of TNF-a, IL1, and IL6, while the tissue level of IL10 was found to be increased. The developed delivery system might have potential for clinical use in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea.