Sanaz Abbaszadegan - Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Hossein Hosseinzadeh - Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh - Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Marziyeh Moghri - Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Azam Abbasi - Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Mahmoud Reza Jaafari - Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Objective(s): Saffron, the dehydrated stigma of the Crocus sativus L. flower, has been reputed as an effective anticancer and chemopreventive agent in cancer therapy. This study aimed to design PEGylated nanoliposomes containing crude extract of saffron for the treatment of cancer.Materials and Methods: Various PEGylated nanoliposomes containing ۲۵ mg/ml aqueous extract of saffron were prepared using the thin lipid film method. The characterization of liposomes was indicated by their size, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy against C۲۶ tumor-bearing mice. Results:  By increasing cholesterol levels, the IC۵۰ values of the formulations increased. Liposome characterization illustrated the properties of formulation of choice, as follows: Z-average size: ۷۳.۷ ± ۱.۳ nm; PDI: ۰.۱۰۳ ± ۰.۰۳۵; zeta potential: -۲۰.۸ mV ± ۳.۷; % encapsulation: ۹۱ ± ۰.۰۵۹, % release after ۱۶۸ hours in ۳۰% FBS: ۱۶.۲۶ ± ۰.۰۱.Conclusion: Treating tumor-bearing mice with the selected saffron liposomes indicated that, for the first time, the i.v. injection of nano-liposomal saffron at a dose of ۳۰۰ mg/kg significantly increased the anti-tumor property compared to the negative control group, while no significant difference was observed compared with aqueous extract of saffron. Hence, to achieve an optimal formulation for human use, the formulation merits further study.

Anti-tumor activity, C۲۶ colon carcinoma, Experimental study, PEGylated nanoliposome, Saffron