Nanoparticles of Punicalagin Synthesized from Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) with Enhanced Efficacy Against Human Hepatic Carcinoma Cells

Abstract

Punicalagin is the most popular ellagitannin found in pomegranate husk and is well known to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The present work describes a novel method for the preparation of nanoparticles of Punicalagin using pomegranate (Punica granatum) since the use of Punicalagin in bulk form is associated with many problems. In this study, nanoparticles of Punicalagin were synthesized, characterized using various techniques, and further evaluated for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative potential using HepG2 cancer cells. DLS analysis revealed that the average size of nanoparticles of Punicalagin was 87 nm, whereas SEM analysis confirmed spherical shaped nanoparticles with size ranging from 90 to 116 nm. HPLC studies confirmed the presence of Punicalagin in synthesized nanoparticles. The results also revealed that nanoparticles of Punicalagin were nearly four times more potent antioxidants than bulk and possessed an inhibition zone of about 13 mm. The response of antiproliferative assay showed that the nanoparticles of Punicalagin caused nearly 44% reduction while bulk form showed only a 15% reduction in cell viability of cancerous cells at 100 µg/mL. The study suggests a great potential for use of the herbal drug in nano form to treat cancer as compared to its bulk counterparts.