Anticancer Activity of Andrographolide-loaded Nanoparticles (ALN) by Augmentation of Apoptotic Proteins and Antioxidant Mechanisms in AOM-Induced Abnormal Colon Carcinoma in Mice

Andrographolide is a plant-based chemical with promising cancer and other disease treatments. The purpose of this research is to find out whether andrographolide-loaded nanoparticles (ALN) can inhibit the development of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in mice that are caused by azoxymethane (AOM). Animals were divided into four groups for the experiment. One group served as a control and received normal saline subcutaneously twice and 0.5% Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) for nutrition. Groups II-IV were given 15 mg/kg azoxymethane injected twice and 0.5% CMC for nutrition. However, Group IV received a nanoparticle treatment of 25 mM, while Group III received 15 mM. The overall colonic ACF incidence was considerably reduced in ALN-treated animals compared to cancer controls, according to the results of the gross morphology of the colorectal tissues. In contrast to ALN-treated mice, colon tissue analysis of cancer-control mice revealed elevated ACF availability, cells with abnormally large nuclei and stratification, and a more significant reduction in the number of submucosal glands. Positive modulation of the apoptotic cascade and antioxidant enzymes arising from AOM oxidative stress shocks may explain the chemo-protective mechanism of ALN against AOM-induced ACF, as seen by reduced ACF values and colon tissue penetration. This study presents a novel nanoparticle-based approach for colorectal cancer treatment by enhancing andrographolide’s bioavailability and targeting oxidative stress mechanisms. It evaluates ALN’s therapeutic efficacy in vivo, using histopathology and imaging to assess tumor inhibition. The findings suggest ALN as a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy with improved specificity and reduced toxicity.