Synthesis of L. Acidissima mediated tin oxide nanoparticles for cervical carcinoma treatment in nursing care

Comparative In Vitro Anticancer Study of Cisplatin Drug with Green Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles on Cervical Squamous Carcinoma (SiHa) Cell Lines

In this article, we aimed to develop a unique treatment approach to cure cervical cancer without harming healthy normal cells and overcome the limitations of currently available therapies/treatments. Recently, chemotherapeutics based on metal oxides have gained attention as a promising approach for treating cancer. Herein, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized with the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. These green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were used for a cytotoxic study on the cervical squamous carcinoma cell line SiHa and murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Moreover, a hemolytic assay was performed to check the biocompatibility of ZnO nanoparticles. The biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were labeled as L1, L2, L5, and L10 nanoparticles. Various assays like crystal violet, MTT assay, and AO/PI dual staining method were performed to assess the anticancer potential of ZnO. The concentration of ZnO nanoparticles was taken in the range of 100-250 μg/mL in the in vitro anticancer study on SiHa cancer cell lines. The findings of the MTT assay revealed that biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxicity against SiHa cancer cell lines dose-dependently at two incubation times (24 and 48 h). Also, a decrease in cell viability was observed with an increased concentration of ZnO. The IC₅₀ values obtained were 141 μg/mL for L1, 132 μg/mL for L2, 127 μg/mL for L5, and 115 μg/mL for L10 nanoparticles. In addition, cisplatin drug (10 μg/mL) was also used to compare the anticancer activity with the biosynthesized L1, L2, L5, and L10 nanoparticles. The results of the crystal violet assay and AO/PI dual staining method revealed that morphological changes like cell shrinkage, poor cell adhesion, and induction of apoptosis occurred in the SiHa cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the stability of the ZnO nanoparticles at physiological pH has been assessed by recording the UV-visible spectrum at various pH values. Hence, the overall findings suggested that biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles can be utilized for cervical squamous cancer treatment in addition to the current treatment strategies/techniques.

Thanaka (H. crenulata, N. crenulata, L. acidissima L.): A Systematic Review of Its Chemical, Biological Properties and Cosmeceutical Applications

Thanaka (H. crenulata, N. crenulata, L. acidissima L.) is a common tree in Southeast Asia used by the people of Myanmar to create their distinctive face makeup meant for daily sun protection and skincare. Moreover, it is used as a traditional remedy to treat various diseases since it can also be applied as an insect repellent. In this systematic review, the chemical and biological properties of Thanaka have been summarised from 18 articles obtained from the Scopus database. Various extracts of Thanaka comprise a significant number of bioactive compounds that include antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic and anti-microbial properties. More importantly, Thanaka exhibits low cytotoxicity towards human cell lines. The use of natural plant materials with various beneficial biological activities have been commonly replacing artificial and synthetic chemicals for health and environmental reasons as natural plant materials offer advantages such as antioxidant, antibacterial qualities while providing essential nourishment to the skin. This review serves as a reference for the research, development and commercialisation of Thanaka skincare products, in particular, sunscreen. Natural sunscreens have attracted enormous interests as a potential replacement for sun protection products made using synthetic chemicals such as oxybenzone that would cause health issues and damage to the environment.