Anticancer effect of combined cinnamon–saffron versus its nanoparticles on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line

Abstract

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the eighth most common malignant neoplasia, often requires surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, cancer cells can become resistant, leading to the use of natural components in anticancer drugs. Objectives Evaluate the anticancer effect of combined cinnamon–saffron extract as compared to nanoform of this compound and doxorubicin on the cells of OSCC cell lines in relation to cell viability, migration and apoptotic efficiency. Materials and methods (SCC-25) OSCC cell lines were used. Scanning electron microscope was used to prepare and characterize the negative control group, cinnamon–saffron, nano cinnamon–saffron, and doxorubicin. The microculture tetrazolium assay viability assay was used to evaluate each study group that was examined, and the IC50 value was then determined. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis in varied research groups were evaluated using flow cytometry and the IC50 dosages. Additionally, a wound-healing assay was used to assess the invasion and migration ability of the cells. Results When treated with cinnamon–saffron, nano cinnamon–saffron, and doxorubicin, the various experimental groups showed dose-dependent reductions in their % viability and IC50 values, which have potential effects against OSCC cell lines, according to our findings. It was discovered that treated cells exhibited cytotoxic, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic, and antimigratory effects as compared to untreated cells. Interestingly, the results of the present study when compared to the untreated group pointed out that, cinnamon–saffron, nano cinnamon–saffron, and doxorubicin reduced the viability of OSCC cells and increased the percentage of total apoptotic cells and necrotic cell death. Conclusion Nano cinnamon–saffron exerts potent cell cycle arrest, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects on oral squamous carcinoma cell lines.