In Vivo Studies and Flow Cytometric Investigation on Anticancer Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized via Aqueous Extract of Clerodendron phlomidis

Abstract

Nowadays, doctors and nutritionists recommend individuals incorporate selenium-rich foods such as nuts, cereals, and mushrooms into their regular diet to maintain fitness and overall health. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) exhibit strong chemopreventive capabilities. The anticipations for SeNPs with enhanced and tunable bioactive activities have led to a keen interest in phytofabrication. In this study, the aqueous extract of Clerodendron phlomidis plant leaves was utilized for the synthesis of SeNPs. In traditional Indian medicine, this plant extract is recognized as a significant anti-diabetic agent. The flavonoids tetrahydroxylflavone, 7-hydroxyflavanone, and 6,4’-dimethyl-7-acetoxy-scutellarein present in this plant leaf extract demonstrate excellent anticancer activity. These secondary metabolites exhibit the ability to reduce sodium selenite into SeNPs. At a concentration of 13 µg/mL, the synthesized SeNPs effectively inhibited the proliferation of the HepG2 cell line. The results suggest that the SeNPs possess promising anti-cancer potential against liver cancer and can be considered as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment. Additionally, the cell cycle arrest induced by SeNPs was further confirmed by the fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) method, indicating that SeNPs could efficiently differentiate cancer cells from normal cells. Notably, it showed a significant improvement in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced Swiss Wistar rat groups. This scientific investigation highlights the high anti-cancer potential of SeNPs, positioning them as a promising therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.