Potential of Nanoencapsulated Curcuma longa-Andrographis paniculata as an Anticancer Agent

Anticancer agents can inhibit and destroy cancer cells by various mechanisms. Some plants are reported to have bioactive components that can be developed as anticancer agents, such as Curcuma longa and Andrographis paniculata. Although herbal-based drugs have good potential, they have limitations when applied in vivo. Developing drug delivery systems is a potential solution by utilizing nano C. longa-A. paniculata as anticancer agents. The nanoencapsulation of C. longa-A. paniculata with carboxymethyl chitosan was performed using the ultrasonication method. The characterization of nano C. longa-A. paniculata (FB-NPs) included physicochemical properties, FTIR, AFM, stability, loading, and release of its bioactive components. FB-NPs had a particle size of 222.60 ± 0.87 nm. The loading amount and efficiency of FB-NPs were 17.83 ± 3.04% and 35.66 ± 6.08%, respectively. FB-NPs showed greater stability under changes in pH, temperature, and salt concentration compared to the free C. longa-A. paniculata formula (FB). The anticancer activity of FB-NPs against the MCF7 cell line showed stronger inhibition, with an EC50 value of 13.71 ± 2.66 µg/mL compared to FB. The nanoencapsulation process of C. longa-A. paniculata with carboxymethyl chitosan has potential as an herbal-based anticancer agent, which can significantly contribute to the development of breast cancer treatment.