IntroductionNimbolide (Nim), a limonoid obtained from the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, has several pharmacological properties, including anticancer effects in different type of cancers. No drug-delivery system has been reported for enhancing the therapeutic application of this novel hydrophobic molecule.MethodsIn the present research, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles of Nim (Nim-nano) were formulated by nanoprecipitation, characterized for physicochemical properties, and screened for anticancer potential in breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and pancreatic (AsPC-1) cancer cell lines.ResultsThe Nim-nano had a particle size of 183.73±2.22 nm and 221.20±11.03 nm before and after lyophilization, respectively. Cryoprotectants (mannitol and sucrose) significantly inhibited growth in particle size due to lyophilization. The ζ-potential of the Nim-nano was −22.40±4.40 mV. Drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of Nim-nano were 5.25%±1.12% and 55.67%±12.42%, respectively. The Nim-nano exhibited sustained release of Nim for more than 6 days in PBS (pH 7.4) and showed two- to three-fold enhanced cytotoxicity in breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines compared with free Nim.ConclusionThe Nim-nano formulation has great potential for treatment of cancers, such as pancreatic and breast cancer. Further, the PLGA-polymer surface can be modified by conjugation with polyethylene glycol, receptor-binding ligands (eg, folic acid), and other that which may lead to targeted delivery of Nim in the treatment of cancer.

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The purpose of the present study is to investigate the pharmacognostical characteristics of the roots of Saccharum officinarum Linn. (poaceae) to establish standardized parameters. Macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical evaluation; preliminary phytochemical analyses and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile were done for qualitative phytochemical evaluation. Roots are grey to blackish brown, fibrous, solid, jointed, odour and taste not distinct. Transverse section of both thin and fairly thick root showed presence of epidermal, hypodermal layers, aerenchymatous cortex and a wide stele. Powder microscopy revealed presence of long thick walled fibers with pointed ends, vessels and tracheids with reticulate, scalariform and bordered pitted walls and thin walled parenchyma cells. Physicochemical parameters viz. percentage of moisture content (9.3% w/w), total ash (7.5% w/w), acid insoluble ash (5.0% w/w), water soluble extractive (6.9% w/w) and ethanol soluble extractive (3.8% w/w) were also determined. Various groups of phytoconstituents found in the plant are carbohydrate, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenolic compound. HPTLC profile of hydroalcoholic extract showed presence of twelve different components in the solvent system, chloroform: methanol (9:1, v/v). The different salient diagnostic features established in this study will help for proper identification and standardization of the drug in crude form, and then the plant material can be used for further studies.