Silver Nanoparticle-Based Delivery of Mebeverine: A Targeted Approach for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, severely affecting the quality of life of the patients. Mebeverine is a common antispasmodic agent that relaxes smooth intestinal muscle, yet its clinical application is limited by systemic side effects. To improve therapeutic targeting and efficacy, we developed a silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-based drug delivery system loaded with mebeverine.
Methods: Drug-loaded AgNPs were synthesized and their effects on smooth muscle contractility were assessed in vitro in the presence of cholinergic inhibitors, selective receptor antagonists, calcium blockers, and neurotransmitters. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated via albumin denaturation inhibition.
Results: Mebeverine-loaded AgNPs exhibited distinct effects on contractile response parameters, although they did not directly block cholinergic receptors. In the anti-inflammatory assay, mebeverine demonstrated higher inhibition of albumin denaturation compared to diclofenac, while the nanoparticle formulation retained superior activity relative to diclofenac but was slightly less potent than free mebeverine.
Conclusions: The mebeverine-loaded AgNP system shows promising spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory potential in vitro, supporting its further evaluation as a targeted therapeutic strategy for IBS management.
Acknowledgments:
This study is supported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education under the National Program “Young Scientists and Postdoctoral Students–2”, Project № MUPD-HF-016.