Natural Ergot Alkaloids in Ocular Pharmacotherapy: Known Molecules for Novel Nanoparticle-Based Delivery Systems

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Baldim, I (Author) Other; Oliveira, WP (Author) Other; Kadian, V (Author) Other; Rao, R (Author) Other; Yadav, N (Author) Other; Mahant, S (Author) Other; Lucarini, M (Author) Other; Durazzo, A (Author) Other; Da Ana, R (Author) Other; Capasso, R (Author) Other; Souto, SB (Author) FMUP; Santini, A (Author) Other; Souto, EB (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Biomolecules

Vol. 10

Pages: 1-21

ISSN: 2218-273X

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 7 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-DAR

DOI: 10.3390/biom10070980

Abstract (EN): Several pharmacological properties are attributed to ergot alkaloids as a result of their antibacterial, antiproliferative, and antioxidant effects. Although known for their biomedical applications (e.g., for the treatment of glaucoma), most ergot alkaloids exhibit high toxicological risk and may even be lethal to humans and animals. Their pharmacological profile results from the structural similarity between lysergic acid-derived compounds and noradrenalin, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmitters. To reduce their toxicological risk, while increasing their bioavailability, improved delivery systems were proposed. This review discusses the safety aspects of using ergot alkaloids in ocular pharmacology and proposes the development of lipid and polymeric nanoparticles for the topical administration of these drugs to enhance their therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of glaucoma.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20