NARINGENIN-LOADED NANOPARTICLES ATTENUATE Β-AMYLOID-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND NEURONAL INJURY IN SH-SY5Y CELLS: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Naringenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective potential; however, its therapeutic application may be limited by poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability. The present study evaluated naringenin-loaded nanoparticles for their physicochemical characteristics, drug release, stability, and protective effects against Aβ-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited a mean particle size of 178.6 ± 8.4 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.214 ± 0.03, zeta potential of −28.7 ± 2.1 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 84.2 ± 2.5%. The formulation demonstrated sustained drug release, reaching 78.5 ± 3.2% over 24 hours. In the cellular study, Aβ exposure reduced cell viability to 55.8 ± 3.4% and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels to 184.6 ± 8.1% of control. Naringenin-loaded nanoparticles improved cell viability to 86.8 ± 3.7% and reduced ROS levels to 114.7 ± 4.1%. These findings suggest that nanoparticle delivery may improve the in vitro protective effects of naringenin against Aβ-associated oxidative stress. Further studies are required to establish the formulation’s mechanism, safety, and therapeutic potential.