Gum-based nanocapsules comprising naphthoquinones enhance the apoptotic and trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma evansi.

Nanoencapsulation is a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic potential of a drug. Herein, three selected naphthoquinone (NTQ) derivatives, based on the IC value against Trypanosoma evansi, were encapsulated using gum damar as biocompatible and biodegradable natural gum via nanoprecipitation method. Nanoformulation of NTQs (NNTQs) was less than 150 nm in size, was found to be stable and released the drug in a sustained manner.