Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nanocurcumin is a widely used anti-inflammatory agent due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study aimed to examine cytotoxicity, antioxidant and apoptotic Activity of Curcumin nanoparticles on squamous cell carcinoma (HEp-2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present work conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity using MTT assay, evaluation of morphological changes post cell treatment with Curcumin nanoparticles, also evaluation of cell apoptosis using Annexin V-FITC and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining. Finally, Genotoxicity was traced via arranging for flow cytometry. RESULTS: Data recorded revealed that the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Curcumin nanoparticles was 40.82 ug/ ml. Also, cytotoxicity was concentration dependent with significant difference (p<0.05). Cytotoxicity enhanced apoptosis process accompanied with cell cycle arrest through the induction of G2/M and pre-G1 phases arrest compared with that of control cell. Cytotoxicity accompanied with morphological changes denoting apoptosis and necrosis after treatment with Curcumin nanoparticles. In the meantime, the biochemical marker (ROS) was elevated in a significant way post treatment with Curcumin nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: Nanocurcumin has a potent anticancer effect due to its antioxidant and anticancer activity.