Safety and bioactive potential of nanoparticles containing Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) carotenoids in obese Wistar rats

This study evaluated the safety and bioactive potential of nanoparticles containing carotenoids from Cantaloupe melon crude extract and porcine gelatin (EPG) in male obese Wistar rats. Animals were fed with a high glycemic index and high glycemic load (HGLI) diet for 17 days, and treated for ten days with 1) HGLI diet, 2) Standard diet, 3) HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/Kg) or 4) HGLI diet + crude carotenoid extract (CE) (12.5 mg/Kg). Signs of general toxicity were investigated, considering body weight, food intake, hematological, and biochemical parameters. The relative weight, morphology, and histopathology of the liver, small intestine, kidneys, stomach, and spleen were also evaluated. The biochemical parameters indicated the low toxicity of EPG. Acute hepatitis was observed in the livers of all animals, but those treated with CE and EPG presented tissue better appearance. For the small intestine, chronic enteritis was observed in all animals, with considerable preservation in the villi and intestinal glands of animals treated with EPG. The results suggest EPG is safe for application and presents a bioactive effect, possibly related to the anti-inflammatory potential, demonstrating the safety for use in future preclinical and clinical studies.