Anti-Tumor Potential of Frankincense Essential Oil and Its Nano-Formulation in Breast Cancer: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study
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MDPI
Abstract
Background/Objective: Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy
among women worldwide, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. Many anticancer
drugs have been derived from medicinal plants, and frankincense from Boswellia
carterii is notable for its anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), 48 components were identified
in B. carterii essential oil, and the major constituent was α-pinene (35.81%). Method: In
this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of frankincense essential oil (FEO) and its
nano-formulation with chitosan (FEO-CSNPs) using in vitro breast cancer models (MCF-
7, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1 cells) and in vivo mouse mammary carcinoma (4T1) models
(Balb/c). Results: The results showed significant reductions in cell viability. At 10 μg/mL,
the FEO showed the highest reduction in the C-166 cells, while at 100 μg/mL, the FEO
exhibited a stronger cytotoxicity in the MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells compared to the FEOCSNPs
and CSNPs. The FEO-CSNPs exhibited cell growth arrest in the S, G2/M, and G1/S
phases in the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1 cell lines (36.91%, 23.12%, and 33.58%), in
addition to increased apoptosis rates in the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1 cell lines (33.04%,
36.39%, and 42.19%). The wound healing assays revealed a decreased migratory ability in
the treated cells. The in vivo experiments in the balb/c mice demonstrated a reduction in
the tumor volume, with a histopathological analysis confirming extensive tumor necrosis.
Moreover, the FEO and FEO-CSNPs showed notable antioxidant and arginase activity. The
gene expression analysis via qPCR indicated the upregulation of tumor suppressor genes
and the downregulation of oncogenes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that FEO
and its nano-formulation, particularly in the form of FEO-CSNPs as an oral formulation,
display enhanced efficacy, warranting further preclinical and clinical research to develop
innovative treatment strategies.
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Except where otherwised noted, this item's license is described as Attribution 4.0 International