The present work focuses on the anticancer potential of quercetin (QT) loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (QT-SNEDDS) composed of Capmul MCM, Tween 20 and ethanol. In vitro cell culture studies revealed potential cell cytotoxicity of developed formulation mediated by its ability to induce DNA damage and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. QT-SNEDDS at a dose of 50 mg/kg demonstrated the antioxidant activity measured as function of prophylactic antitumor efficacy against DMBA induced breast tumors which revealed higher latency to the tumor growth as compared to free QT. This appreciation was further supported by normalized levels of tumor angiogenesis markers (MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α and IL-6). At higher doses (100 mg/kg) the pro-oxidant activity was noted and exhibited significantly higher therapeutic anticancer efficacy (~ 65% tumor suppression) in the same model as compared to that of free QT (~ 20%). Finally, safety profile of developed formulation was established assessing various hepatotoxicity markers.

This basic science study focuses on the anticancer potential of a specific quercetin loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system. At higher doses significantly higher therapeutic anticancer efficacy (~65% tumor suppression) was noted in the same model as compared to that of free quercetin (~20%).