Synthesis and evaluation of liposome carrier containing extract of Silybum marianum for effect on liver cancer

Today, the use of medicinal plants in the cancer treatment due to less side effects has been considered. Silybum marianum is a medicinal herb of Asteraceae, which is used in the treatment of liver diseases and gallbladder diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases. The encapsulation of bioactive materials in nano-liposomes is an effective approach to regulate drug release, increase stability, protect them from environmental reactions, reduce volatility, and increase its effects. The aim of this study was encapsulation of the extract of Silybum marianum in to liposomes and to evaluate the physico-chemical in order to effect on liver cancer cells

In this study, extract of Silybum marianum was prepared by Soxhlet method. Liposomal vesicles were prepared by thin-film hydration method and the extract of Silybum marianum was loaded. Finally, the nanoparticles were assayed for encapsulation efficiency, release profile and physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and FTIR.

Nanoliposome containing Silybum marianum extract had 63.37% encapsulation efficiency and size 122 nm zeta potential -13.1 and the dispersion index 0.197. The release of herbal extract of Silybum marianum was controlled. There is no chemical interaction between the extract and the liposome and is morphologically homogeneous and had a spherical structure.

The results of this study show that the extracts of Silybum marianum can be encapsulated in appropriate size and function in nanoliposomal forms, so liposomes are a suitable carrier for the Silybum marianum extract.