Enhancing Healthcare Outcomes and Modulating Apoptosis- and Antioxidant-Related Genes through the Nano-Phytosomal Delivery of Phenolics Extracted from Allium ampeloprasum

Genes (Basel). 2023 Jul 28;14(8):1547. doi: 10.3390/genes14081547.

Abstract

The application of nano drug delivery systems, particularly those utilizing natural bioactive compounds with anticancer properties, has gained significant attention. In this study, a novel nano-phytosome-loaded phenolic rich fraction (PRF) derived from Allium ampeloprasum L. was developed. The antitumor activity of the formulation was evaluated in BALB/c mice with TUBO colon carcinoma. The PRF-loaded nano-phytosome (PRF-NPs) exhibited a sphere-shaped structure (226 nm) and contained a diverse range of phenolic compounds. Animal trials conducted on TUBO tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that treatment with PRF-NPs at a dosage of 50 mg TPC/Kg/BW resulted in significant improvements in body weight and food intake, while reducing liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as Bax and caspase-3, was upregulated, whereas Bcl2 was significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of GPx and SOD genes in the liver was notably increased compared to the control group. The findings suggest that the phytosomal encapsulation of the phenolic rich fraction derived from Allium ampeloprasum L. can enhance the bioavailability of natural phytochemicals and improve their antitumor properties. The development of PRF-NPs as a nano drug delivery system holds promise for effective breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: anticancer properties; breast cancer treatment; nano-drug delivery systems; nano-phytosomes; natural bioactive compounds; phenolic rich fraction.

MeSH terms

  • Allium* / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Body Weight
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation* / drug effects
  • Lipid Peroxidation
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanostructures
  • Phenols / pharmacology
  • Phytosomes
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Phytosomes
  • Plant Extracts
  • Phenols
  • Antineoplastic Agents

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.