Preventive effect of nasal Timosaponin BII-loaded temperature-/ion-sensitive in situ hydrogels on Alzheimer’s disease

Objective Nowadays, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is common in elderly populations. Prevention seems important in decreasing the incidence of AD. Timosaponin BII (T-BII) is considered effective in improving brain function. Bioadhesive formulations are advantageous for nasal administration to achieve a brain-targeted delivery. Therefore, T-BII-loaded temperature/ion-sensitive nasal in situ hydrogels (ISGs) were prepared to prevent AD. Methods The morphological and rheological properties were evaluated. The preventive effects of T-BII ISG on scopolamine-induced AD in mice were determined with the index of M1 receptor expression and pathological changes. Results Results revealed that T-BII ISG significantly increased the content of M1 choline receptors in the hippocampus of mice and ameliorated the damage incurred to the hippocampal CA1 area. Conclusion T-BII ISGs is a reasonable and convenient method of exerting an obvious preventive effect on mice with AD induced by scopolamine. This, thereby, lays forth a new treatment option for preventing AD.