Nano-scaled emulsion and nanogel containing Mentha pulegium essential oil: cytotoxicity on human melanoma cells and effects on apoptosis regulator genes

Abstract

Background Topical drug delivery using nanoemulsions and nanogels is a promising approach to treating skin disorders such as melanoma. Methods In this study, the chemical composition of Mentha pulegium essential oil with five major compounds, including pulegone (68.11%), l-menthone (8.83%), limonene (2.90%), iso-pulegone (2.69%), and iso-menthone (1.48%) was first identified using GC-MS (Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Afterward, a nano-scaled emulsion containing the essential oil with a droplet size of 7.70 ± 1 nm was prepared. Nanogel containing the essential oil was then prepared by adding (2% w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose to the nano-scaled emulsion. Moreover, the successful loading of M. pulegium essential oil in the nano-scaled emulsion and nanogel was confirmed using ATR-FTIR (Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed) analysis. Then, human A375 melanoma cells were treated with different concentrations of samples, the MTT assay evaluated cell viability, and cell apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, including Bax and Bcl-2, was evaluated using the qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique. Results The results showed that cell viability was reduced by 90 and 45% after treatment with 300 μg/mL of the nanogel and nano-scaled emulsion. As confirmed by flow cytometry, this effect was mediated by apoptosis. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 genes. Therefore, the prepared nanogel, with high efficacy, could be considered a potent anticancer agent for supplementary medicine and in vivo research.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antitumor Effect, and Toxicity in Zebrafish of the Essential Oil from Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist (Asteraceae)

“…In 2020, approximately 325,000 patients were diagnosed with skin melanoma and approximately 57,000 died from this disease [81]. Thus, novel therapeutic alternatives are needed, and several EOs have been investigated for the treatment of this disease [82] showing effects such as induction of apoptosis by upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 genes [83], cell cycle arrest, and increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production [15].…”

Comparison effects of Ferula gummosa essential oil and Beta-pinene Alginate nanoparticles on human melanoma and breast cancer cells proliferation and apoptotic index in short term normobaric hyperoxic model

“…This study investigates the impact of β-pinene, F. gummosa EO, Alg-Beta, and Alg-EO on the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes in A-375 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines using the qPCR technique [ 36 ]. Briefly, 50,000 cells per well were distributed onto 6-well plates and subjected to an overnight incubation period under the specified conditions.…”