Nanocomposites of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage-mediated selenium nanoparticles and nanochitosan as antidiabetic candidates in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

Background Diabetes is considered a serious chronic disease that carries a high risk of significant complications. Recently, the utilization of natural hypoglycemic plants has been increasing for the management of diabetes due to their biosafety, low side effects, and economical features. Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fruit has various pharmacological properties as a source of bioactive compounds, which have shown effectiveness in diabetes treatment. Methods Fruits peel mucilage (FM) was extracted from OFI fruit for the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), which were then encapsulated with chitosan (Ch) to generate nanocomposites (Ch/FM/SeNPs). This study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of nanocomposites (Ch/FM/SeNPs) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Accordingly, rats were divided into six groups, namely, normal control (GI), diabetic control (GII), treatment groups (GIII, GIV, and GV) administered nanocomposite powder (Ch/FM/SeNPs) with concentrations 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively, and (GVI) received glibenclamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, the rats were subjected to analysis including body weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, and hepatic and renal function tests. Results The nanocomposite (Ch/FM/SeNPs) had an average particle size (PS) of 81.18 nm and a positive charge (+30.11 mV), with an equivalent ratio of Ch and FM/SeNPs (1:1). The average particle size of FM/SeNPs was 6.34 nm with a negative charge (−25.93 mV). The morphological characteristics indicated semi-spherical shapes of the nanocomposites (NCs) and stabilization and homogenous distribution of SeNPs within the polymer nanocomposites. The results indicated that treatment of diabetic rats with nanocomposite powder (Ch/FM/SeNPs) at a concentration of 0.3 mg/kg resulted in significant increases in body weight, along with significant reductions in blood glucose levels and improvement in biological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatic and renal function. Conclusion Promisingly, the nanocomposite (Ch/FM/SeNPs) can be used as a hypoglycemic compound; therefore, it could be recommended for the development of antidiabetic drugs.