Silver-loaded nanoemulsion of Nepeta glomerulosa extract enhances cytotoxicity and induces apoptosis in A549 and AGS cancer cells

The global rise in cancer occurrence, together with the spread of multidrug resistance, highlights the critical demand for innovative treatment strategies. Nano-delivery approaches have emerged as promising solutions that enhance bioavailability and facilitate targeted drug delivery. This study evaluated the anticancer efficacy of Nepeta glomerulosa extract and its silver-loaded nanoemulsion (Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs) against human lung (A549) and gastric (AGS) cells.MethodsNepeta glomerulosa was collected from the Binaloud Mountains, and a hydroalcoholic extract was obtained by maceration. Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs were prepared via high-energy emulsification and characterized by FTIR, SEM, DLS, ZP, and XRD. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay, DAPI staining, and Real-time PCR of TP53 and BAX genes.ResultsAg-N.g.Ext. NEs were spherical (confirmed by SEM) with a PSA (DLS) size of 269.5 nm, a negative zeta potential of -23.1 mV, and a non-crystalline structure. The IC₅₀ of the extract for A549 and AGS was 500 and 250 µg/mL, while the Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs showed enhanced potency with an IC₅₀ of 125 µg/mL. Apoptosis and gene expression were significantly higher in Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs-treated cells (p ≤ 0.05). TP53 expression increased 3.317-fold in A549 and 8.027-fold in AGS; BAX increased 3.877-fold in A549 and 2.351-fold in AGS.ConclusionsNanoemulsion-based delivery significantly enhances the anticancer efficacy of the extract by promoting apoptosis, offering a promising strategy for plant-derived therapeutics.