Abstract
IntroductionThymoquinone (TQ) is the main active compound extracted from Nigella sativa a traditional herb with wide therapeutic applications and recognizable anticancer properties. This study aimed to formulate and characterize TQ-nanoparticles using PLGA as a biocompatible coating material (TQ-PLGA NPs) with the evaluation of its therapeutic properties in human melanoma cancer cells.MethodsThe TQ-PLGA NPs were prepared and characterized for size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile.ResultsThe particle size was 147.2 nm, with 22.1 positive zeta potential and 96.8% encapsulation efficiency. The NPs released 45.6% of the encapsulated TQ within 3 h followed by characteristic sustained release over 7 days with a total of 69.7% cumulative release. TQ-PLGA NPs were taken up effectively by the cells in a time-dependent manner up to 24 h. Higher cell toxicity was determined within the first 24 h in melanoma cells due to the rapid release of TQ from the NPs and its low stability in the cell culture media.ConclusionTQ-PLGA NPs is a potential anticancer agent taking advantage of the sustained release and tailored size that allows accumulation in the cancer tissue by the enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, stability problems of the active ingredient were address in this study and requires further investigation.
Highlights
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active compound extracted from Nigella sativa a traditional herb with wide therapeutic applications and recognizable anticancer properties
The NPs showed a positive zeta potential of 22.1 ± 1.1 attributed to the adsorption of chitosan on the surface
High encapsulation efficiency is usually obtained with hydrophobic drugs when using the solvent
Summary
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active compound extracted from Nigella sativa a traditional herb with wide therapeutic applications and recognizable anticancer properties. Nigella sativa is well-known traditional medicine in the middle east that is used to treat chronic cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal diseases.[4] Most of the pharmacological properties in this seed is attributes to its quinine derivative known as thymoquinone (TQ).[5] TQ has been well known for its diverse therapeutic properties including antimicrobial, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory effects.
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