Nano chitosan encapsulation of Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract promotes ROS induction leading to apoptosis in human squamous cells (HSC-3)

Abstract

World-wide, Indonesia is ranked 17th in oral cancers, with deaths reaching 2.326 cases. Of the oral cancers, 90% are squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-3). Unfortunately, conventional cancer therapy still has many ill side effects. Therefore, pharmacologists have looked for natural ingredients to prevent the growth of oral cancer cells. One source is Cymbopogon citratus leaf. Research shows that the active compound of C. citratus leaf is a chemopreventive, doing so by increasing the production of re-active oxygen species (ROS) to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The active compound of C. citratus leaf has low stability and solubility, so it is necessary to use an encapsulation matrix such as chitosan, and modify it into smaller particles to increase its effectiveness.

Keywords

• reactive oxygen species
• encapsulation
• nano chitosan
• c. citratus leaf extract
• hsc-3