Anti-tumor activity of nanoliposomes containing crude extract of saffron in mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma

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. Various PEGylated nanoliposomes containing 25 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 C26 tumor-bearing mice.   By increasing cholesterol levels, the IC50 values of the formulations increased. Liposome characterization illustrated the properties of formulation of choice, as follows: Z-average size: 73.7 ± 1.3 nm; PDI: 0.103 ± 0.035; zeta potential: -20.8 mV ± 3.7; % encapsulation: 91 ± 0.059, % release after 168 hours in 30% FBS: 16.26 ± 0.01. 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 300 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.