The anti-inflammatory properties of halloysite

Halloysite can serve as an alternative agent for drug delivery because its production is not tedious, hazardous, or expensive. In this study we show that halloysite presented anti-inflammatory properties comparable to indomethacin as evidenced by determination of the mieloperoxidase (MPO) enzymatic activity, a specific marker for migration and cellular infiltration. Edema reached maximum levels after 4 h. Cellular migration was noted to be low. After 24 h, however, cellular migration was noted to increase. Experiments conducted with mice primary peritoneal macrophages showed that halloysite (vs aminoguanidine) inhibited the production of nitric oxide. Halloysite inhibited oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation (ca. IC50 = 2023 ppm).

► Halloysite can serve as an alternative nanomaterial (e.g., C, W, or Ti nanotubes) for drug delivery because its production is not tedious, hazardous, or expensive.
► Halloysite presents anti-inflammatory properties comparable to commercial indomethacin.
► Applying 1-mg halloysite brought about significant decreases on edema mass (77% inhibition) after t = 24 h.