Evaluation of anti-cancer properties of microcapsules containing Arctium lappa bioactive compounds

: Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties. It has been extensively studied in herbal medicine for its wide range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The plant's roots, seeds, and leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as lignans, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic potential. Due to the increasing interest in natural products as cancer treatments, Arctium lappa has become a potential subject for additional studies. This study explores the anticancer potential of microcapsules containing bioactive compounds extracted from Arctium lappa. Methods: The bioactive compounds were encapsulated using an advanced microencapsulation technique to enhance their stability, control the release, and improve the active constituents' bioavailability. The microcapsules were characterized for their physicochemical properties, including particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. To evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity, MTT assays were performed on various cancer cell lines, focusing on assessing the effects on cell viability, proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis and quantitative PCR was carried out to measure gene expression. Results: The results demonstrated that the Arctium lappa bioactive microcapsules significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects observed in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Further mechanistic investigations were carried out to elucidate the pathways through which the microcapsules exert their anticancer effects. Flow cytometry and quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated that the microcapsules induced apoptosis by modulating key apoptotic genes, notably the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes such as BAX and caspase-۳, and the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-۲. Additionally, scratch assays indicated that the microcapsules effectively inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion, suggesting a potential role in preventing metastasis. Conclusion: In conclusion, microcapsules containing Arctium lappa bioactive compounds exhibit significant anticancer properties, which are mediated through apoptosis induction and the inhibition of metastatic pathways. These findings support the potential of these microcapsules as a novel therapeutic approach in cancer treatment, warranting further investigation in preclinical and clinical settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anticancer agent ، Drug delivery ، Phenolic rich fraction ، Arctium lappa ، Gene expression