Oleanolic Acid Loaded Niosomes as an Effective Phytochemical Nanocarrier: Physicochemical Characterization and Cytotoxicity Assay on HepG2 Cell Line

Background: Oleanolic acid is a triterpenoid with significant anticancer properties, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor solubility and bioavailability. Aim: This study explores the use of Oleanolic acid-loaded niosomes as a nanocarrier to boost its effectiveness against liver cancer. Methods: Niosomes were created via ethanol injecting work flow with cholesterol and Span 60. The formulations analysed for average particle diameter, polydispersity index, particle charge, entrapment efficiency and release profile. Cytotoxic influence of the Oleanolic acid-loaded niosomes was assessed using the HepG2 liver cancer cell line with the MTT assay. Results: The optimized niosomes possessed an average vesicular size of 113.3±9.38 nm, a zeta potential of -29.1±3.66 mV and entrapment efficiency of 91.51±2.61%. They showed a sustained release of up to 78.84±0.26% of Oleanolic acid over 24 hours. The niosome formulation significantly decreased HepG2 cell viability as compare to free oleanolic acid and cisplatin, exhibiting a IC50 of 36.44 µg/mL, 43.78 µg/L and 74.18 µg/mL respectively, indicating improved shows anticancer efficacy compared to free Oleanolic acid. Conclusion: These outcomes imply that Oleanolic acid-loaded niosomes enhance solubility, stability and anticancer activity, making them a promising approach for liver cancer treatment. Further in vivo investigations are crucial to definitively assess their clinical effectiveness. Major Finding: This study demonstrates that oleanolic acid-loaded niosomes enhance the drug’s stability, solubility and gives controlled release. The formulation exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line, highlighting its potential as an effective nanocarrier for anticancer therapy.