Enhanced anticancer activity of naringenin-loaded nanoparticles in human cervical (HeLa) cancer cells

Naringenin (NAR) is a naturally occurring plant bioflavonoid present in citrus fruits and possesses a wide range of biological application including anticancer effects. However, its prominent application in cancer is limited due to its suboptimal pharmacokinetics and poor bioavailability at the tumor sites. The aim of the present study was to develop naringenin-loaded nanoparticles (NARNPs) and to evaluate the anticancer potency of the prepared NARNPs in human cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. NARNPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The in vitro drug release by UV spectroscopy showed there was a sustained drug delivery pattern of NARNPs. MTT-based colorimetric assay revealed higher cytotoxic efficacy of NARNPs than free NAR in HeLa cells. Further, NARNPs treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased intracellular ROS levels, lipid peroxidation status (TBARS) and decreased GSH levels when compared to free NAR treatment in HeLa cells. It has been also noticed that there was a significant alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential and the presence of apoptotic indices (membrane blebbing, nuclear fragmentation) in NARNPs treated cancer cells. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the anticancer potential of prepared NARNPs than free NAR in cervical cancer cells in vitro.