Central composite designed boswellic acids loaded nanoparticles for enhanced cellular uptake in human lung cancer cell line A549

Boswellic acids, which are naturally occurring pentacyclic terpenoids found in Boswellia serrata, and other species, have indeed demonstrated valuable antiproliferative and anticancer possessions. These compounds have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of various cancer cell lines but associated with low aqueous solubility and bioavailability restrictions. Addressing the challenges of low aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability is essential for harnessing the full therapeutic potential of Boswellic acids in cancer therapy and other therapeutic applications. The present study aimed to improve boswellic acids applicability in cancer therapy utilizing nano formulations, central composite designed nanoparticles were developed by a nanoprecipitation technique using Pluronic F-127. Influence of two independent variables i.e. organic phase volume (X₁) and surfactant concentration (X₂), were studied on the particle size and entrapment efficiency. To explore the anticancer potential of boswellic acids, MTT cell proliferation assay was carried out on human lung cancer (A-549) cell lines. The characterization of Boswellic acids loaded nanoparticles with a spherical shape, average particle size ranging from 196 to 296 nm, low polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency (54.65 ± 0.38) indicates a well-defined and uniform nanoparticle formulation. Particle size dependent cytotoxic effects and higher cytotoxicity was attained for boswellic acids loaded nanoparticles (IC₅₀ value of 21.1 μM) in comparison with extract (29.59 μM).