Nano-herbal combination targets apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background This study evaluates the synergistic effects of the nano-herbal combination of Bischofia javanica leaves and Phaleria macrocarpa fruits on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a metastatic keratinocyte malignancy. Materials and Methods Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a negative control group (K0), an OSCC-induced control group (K1), and four treatment groups (P1-P4), which received oral treatments for four weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, while immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-10, and MDA. Results Nano-herbal treatment significantly reduced MDA levels, particularly in groups P3 and P4, with reductions comparable to those seen in the Vitamin C treatment group (p < 0.05). SOD levels were highest in group P3 (p < 0.05), similar to the negative control group (K0), while VEGF levels were significantly elevated in the positive control group (K1) (p < 0.05). Group P3 exhibited the highest expression of HSP-70 (p < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression was significantly higher in P3 compared to K1 (p = 0.0007), while caspase-8 and caspase-10 expressions were also significantly elevated in groups P2, P3, and P4 (p < 0.05). Group P3 showed the most pronounced effects in promoting apoptosis, with caspase-3 and caspase-8 levels markedly higher compared to K1. Conclusion The combined nano-herbal formulations of Bischofia javanica leaves and Phaleria macrocarpa fruits effectively mitigates oxidative stress, induces apoptosis, and holds potential as a therapeutic approach for managing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).