Development of a Novel Pomegranate Polysaccharide Nanoemulsion Formulation with Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antitumor Properties

Background Colorectal cancer is one of the most serious gastrointestinal cancers in Africa and its prevention is a pronounced challenge in contemporary medicine worldwide. Objective The present study aimed to develop nanoemulsion drug delivery system using pomegranate polysaccharides (PGPs) as an alternative cancer remedy, and then the evaluated its biological activities. Methods The PGPs yield and chemical composition were evaluated, and then a PGPs nanoemulsion (PGPs-NE) was prepared using the self-emulsification technique with an oil phase. The physicochemical characterization of PGPs-NE was then analyzed. The in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and antitumor potency of PGPs and PGPs-NE were also evaluated. Results The PGPs yield was 10%. The total sugar and protein content of PGPs was 44.66 mg/dl and 19.83 mu g/ml, respectively. PGPs were mainly composed of five monosaccharides including fructose, glucose, galactose, rhamnose, and arabinose. Concerning physiochemical characterization, the formulated PGPs-NE had three optical absorption bands at 202, 204, and 207nm and a transmittance of 80%. Its average hydrodynamic particle size was 9.5nm, with a PDI of less than 0.2 and a negative zeta potential (30.6 mV). The spherical shape of PGPs-NE was confirmed by a transmission electron microscope study, with an average size of less than 50 nm. Additionally, the method used to prepare the PGPs-NE formulation provided high entrapment efficiency (92.82%). The current study disclosed that PGPs-NE exhibited strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor agent potency compared to that of free PGPs. Conclusion These promising current findings provide evidence for the possible efficacy of novel PGPs-NE as an alternative treatment for CRC.