Characterization of betalain-loaded liposomes and its bioactive potential in vivo after ingestion

Highlights

• Betalain-loaded liposomes were characterized and administered to C. elegans.
• Antilipidemic, antioxidant and anti-aging effects after ingestion were tested.
• Encapsulated pigments reduce oxidative stress and fat levels in vivo.
• Betalains administered in liposomes increased the lifespan of C. elegans up to 21.8%.

Abstract

Betalains are plant pigments characterized by showing a wide range of beneficial properties for health. Its bioactive potential has been studied for the first time after its encapsulation in liposomes and subsequent administration to the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Phenylalanine-betaxanthin and indoline carboxylic acid-betacyanin encapsulated at concentrations of 25 and 500 μM managed to reduce lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in the nematodes. Highly antioxidant betalains dopaxanthin and betanidin were also included in the survival analyses. The results showed that phenylalanine-betaxanthin was the most effective betalain by increasing the lifespan of C. elegans by 21.8%. In addition, the administration of encapsulated natural betanidin increased the nematodes’ survival rate by up to 13.8%. The preservation of the bioactive properties of betalains manifested in this study means that the stabilization of the plant pigments through encapsulation in liposomes can be postulated as a new way for administration in pharmacological and food applications.