Anti-Cancer Efficacy of Acacia nilotica Nanoparticles: Apoptosis Induction and Tumor Regression in a DMBA-induced Breast Cancer Rat Model

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer remains a significant global health burden despite advancements in treatment. While conventional therapies often induce adverse effects, there is growing interest in exploring natural alternatives. Acacia nilotica, a traditionally used medicinal plant, has shown promise in cancer management. Objectives: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of A. nilotica extract and nanoparticles against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in albino rats. Materials and Methods: The formation of A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles was done and characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A total of 60 female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (10 rats/group) and received care in compliance with the state authorities following the Saudi Arabian rules of animal protection. The animals in the first group were given distilled water, while those in the second group were administered DMBA (50 mg/kg). The third and fourth groups were treated with 10 mg/kg of the A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles, respectively. In the fifth and sixth groups, A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles were administered with 10 mg/kg after DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats, respectively. After sacrificing the rats, the blood and breast tissues were collected from each rat and processed for histological and apoptotic markers analyses. Results: Our findings indicated that the average size of nanoparticles was 162.5 nm in diameter with 0.145 as a poly dispersity index (PDI). Functional groups were confirmed via FTIR analysis for A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles. Histopathological analysis revealed a marked reduction in tumor size and cellular proliferation in nanoparticle-treated groups. Our data demonstrated that both formulations significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by altered Bcl-2 and BAX expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that A. nilotica nanoparticles warrant further investigation as a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

KEYWORDS

• Acacia nilotica
• apoptotic markers
• breast cancer
• cancer therapy
• 7
• 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene
• in vivo study
• nanomedicine

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• DOI10.1177/09731296251313618Copy

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