Preparation and Characterization of Rutin Loaded Microparticles for the treatment of Diabetes

Rutin is a natural molecule proved for strong efficacy against type 2 diabetes. Clinical application of rutin is highly restricted because of its low bioavailability and ineffectiveness in in vivo conditions. Therefore, the main aim of the present investigation was to formulate rutin loaded microspheres and evaluated for its efficacy against diabetes. Rutin loaded microparticles formulation was successfully prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation technique, characterized and evaluated for its potential application in diabetes. The rutin microparticles showing highest entrapment efficiency of 82.2±0.04% and higher percentage yield of 68.46±1.33% was selected as optimized formulation. Particle size and zetapotential of optimized Rutin microparticles formulation was found to be 210.78±5.46 µm and -0.0354mV, respectively. TEM and SEM images showed spherical shape and smooth surface of microparticle formulation. Rutin microparticles showed sustained drug release up to 6 h without any burst release. FTIR results revealed absence of potential chemical interaction between Rutin and other excipients of microparticles. DSC and XRD studies revealed the conversion of Rutin from crystalline to amorphous form. Stability studies indicate that the Rutin microspheres were stable and the formulation characteristics remain unchanged up to 30 days in room temperature and elevated temperature. Rutin microparticles treated rats showed significantly lower blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL, free fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations in comparison to pristine Rutin treated rats. The glucose and lipid profiles of microsphere formulation were akin to normal rats. Moreover, Rutin microparticles did not produce obesity (common adverse effect of antidiabetic drugs) even after 60 days. These results evidently indicate the potential and safe utilization of Rutin microparticle formulation for the treatment of diabetes.