2. Academic Validation
  3. PLGA-based herb Toosendanin delivery system for efficient therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma

PLGA-based herb Toosendanin delivery system for efficient therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma

  • BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Jul 2;25(1):217. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04957-0.
Lingling Chen # 1,  Cheng Feng # 1,  Zhenyu Shi 1,  Jianzhe Wang 1,  Tao Wang 1,  Yibing Wang 1,  Lisong Lin 2,  Ye Wu 3
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian Province, China.
  • 2 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, Fujian Province, China. dr_lls@fjmu.edu.cn.
  • 3 Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian Province, China. wuye@fjmu.edu.cn.
  • # Contributed equally.
PMID: 40604940 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-04957-0
Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant public health issue worldwide. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents do not adequately meet the treatment demands because of their low efficacy and adverse side effects. Toosendanin (TSN) is a natural extract with potential anticarcinogenic activity. Nonetheless, its clinical application is constrained by its poor water-solubility and limited bioavailability. Therefore, we prepared TSN-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (TSN-PLGA NPs) to improve the water-solubility of TSN and potentially further enhance its bioavailability. TSN-PLGA NPs were synthesized and characterized, and we showed their exceptional properties for sustained release in vitro. TSN-PLGA NPs exhibited cytotoxic effects against OSCC cells, potentially inhibiting proliferation and promoting Apoptosis by inducing cell-cycle arrest in the S-phase at low concentrations. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed the potential regulation of OSCC cell viability by TSN-PLGA NPs through signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT and PI3K-Akt. Furthermore, animal models provided evidence of the in vivo antitumor activity of TSN-PLGA NPs, with no observable side effects in nude mice, which indicated potential biocompatibility. Consequently, TSN-PLGA NPs may be a promising chemotherapy candidate for OSCC treatment.

Keywords

EPR effect; Nanomedicine; Oral squamous cell carcinoma; PLGA; Toosendanin.

Figures
Products