Development and Characterization of a Polyherbal Phytosome Containing a Herbal Blend of Azadirachta indica, Angelica sinensis Polysaccharides, and Aloe vera for Anticancer Activity

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies with improved safety and efficacy. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants have gained significant attention for their anticancer potential, yet their clinical application is limited by poor solubility, low stability, and inadequate bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems, particularly phytosomes, offer a promising approach to overcome these challenges by enhancing the absorption and targeted delivery of plant-derived bioactives. The present study focuses on the development and characterization of a polyherbal phytosome containing Azadirachta indica, Angelica sinensis polysaccharides, and Aloe vera, designed for anticancer activity. These three botanicals were selected due to their complementary mechanisms: A. indica exhibits antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, A. sinensis polysaccharides possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, and Aloe vera contains compounds such as aloe-emodin and acemannan known for cytotoxic and anti-metastatic actions. The phytosome was prepared using solvent evaporation and complexation with phosphatidylcholine, followed by characterization through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analysis, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency evaluation. In vitro anticancer activity was assessed against selected human cancer cell lines using MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis detection studies. Results demonstrated successful phytosome formation with nano-sized particles (average 160–220 nm), stable zeta potential (−30 to −35 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (>80%). The polyherbal phytosome exhibited significantly enhanced cytotoxicity compared to individual extracts, inducing apoptosis and oxidative stress in cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

This study highlights the synergistic anticancer potential of a polyherbal phytosome system and establishes its relevance as a promising nanocarrier-based herbal formulation. Future investigations involving in vivo evaluation and mechanistic studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic potential and translational applicability.