Pomegranate Oil Nanoemulsion as a Nanotherapeutic Strategy Against Breast and Colon Cancer: Induction of Apoptosis and Inhibition of Cell Migration

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is increasingly recognized as a chronic condition. However, current anticancer therapies have several limitations that considerably impact patient quality of life. Therefore, we aimed to develop and characterize a pomegranate (Punica granatum) oil-based nanoemulsion (PG-NE) with enhanced anticancer properties. We further aimed to evaluate its cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-migratory effects on human breast (MCF-7) and colon (HCT-116) cancer cell lines. METHODS: PG-NE was formulated via high-energy emulsification and characterized by dynamic light scattering to determine droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Its cytotoxicity was measured by the MTT assay, whereas apoptosis and migration were assessed by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and scratchwound- healing assays, respectively. RESULTS: PG-NE exhibited a mean droplet size, PDI, and zeta potential of 283.67 ± 1.15 nm, 0.17 ± 0.01, and - 35.17 ± 0.06 mV, respectively, indicating uniform nanoscale distribution and good colloidal stability. Compared with mitomycin C (MMC), PG-NE significantly decreased cancer cell viability, enhanced apoptotic induction, and strongly inhibited migration in both MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate that nanoencapsulation enhances the anticancer efficacy of pomegranate oil by increasing its solubility and bioavailability, thereby supporting its potential as a plant-derived nanotherapeutic in integrative oncology. CONCLUSION: PG-NE exhibited potent cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and antimigratory activities in vitro. Its physicochemical stability and biological activity support its potential use as a chemopreventive or adjunctive agent.