Curcumin loaded organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticle; a novel agent for cancer therapy

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound extracted from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and has a well established anticancer property. However poor aqueous solubility is a major hindrance for its bioavailability and therapeutic use. Nanoparticle based system can be developed to overcome this problem. Present study has been undertaken with curcumin loaded organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticle (NP) to assess its anticancer property. In comparison to void ORMOSIL NP the curcumin loaded NP has shown marked cytotoxicity on hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells as well as reduction of Ehrlich Ascites Tumour (EAT) cell induced experimental solid tumour following intratumoral injection. There is increased apoptosis of cancer cells due to curcumin induced enhanced intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus curcumin loaded ORMOSIL NP may have a potential for use as anticancer therapy replacing or substituting more toxic anti–mitotic drugs and radiation.