The Potency of Chitosan-Based Moringa oleifera Leaves Extract Nanoparticles as Anti-Cancer Agent

Cancer cases have increased with 18,1 million new cases and 9,6 million deaths in 2018. The main problem of chemotherapy is the lack of selectivity and drug resistance. Moringa oleifera leaves as anti-cancer offer minimal side effects. A nano-sized substance facilitates direct penetration into the target cell. This study attempts to prove the potential of chitosan-based Moringa oleifera leaves extract nanoparticles as an anti-cancer in cancer cells (in vitro). Chitosan-based Moringa oleifera leaves extract nanoparticles (Nano-MOLE) were made using ionic gelation method, nanoparticles were measured using Mastersizer, Nano-MOLE phytochemical content seen from Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) test, froth test, and anhydrous acid test, IC50 values were obtained from MTT assay, and caspase-3 expression with immunofluorescence. Chitosan-based Moringa oleifera leaves extract nanoparticles with a size range of 0.01 micron-0.5 micron (10-500 nm) and contain phytochemicals such as alkaloids and terpenoids, and saponins. Nano-MOLE were found to have a cytotoxic effect on the cell line with an IC50 value of 287, 13 µg/mL and there was caspase-3 expression. Nano-MOLE is able to increase the expression of caspase-3 in HeLa cells line.