Wheatgrass (Triticum Aestivum) Extract Loaded Chitosan Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Formulation, Physicochemical Characterisation and Cytotoxic Potential.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cancer is around the world, and is identified as a multifarious ailment. Amongst the most common reasons for cancer in the world is oxidative stress, and this can be overcome by taking the herbal plant wheatgrass in any form.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work is to formulate wheatgrass extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Box-Behnken design and to investigate the effect of formulation variables.

METHODS: Using the hot homogenisation method, the current work plan aimed to develop wheatgrassfilled chitosan solid lipid nanoparticles by means of a Box-Behnken design. This study investigated the effect of three formulation variables on particle size and entrapment efficiency, namely the sodium alginate concentration, the chitosan concentration, and the sonication time. Extraction of wheatgrass was done in a soxhlet extractor, using methanolic extract. Furthermore, the authors have examined recent patents associated with wheatgrass to enhance their comprehension of this herbal plant.

RESULTS: The hot homogenisation technique was used to prepare Triticum aestivum extract loaded with solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). For BBD, all formulations were analysed for particle size, which ranged from 394.4 to 911.2 nm, and for polydispersity index, which ranged from 0.527 to 1.0. Batch code BB SLN-8 was found to be the finest suitable because of a maximum loading capacity of 58.23 ±0.11 % (w/w), maximum entrapment efficiency of 55.12±0.17 % (w/w), and minimum particle size of 394.4nm by using sodium alginate as a surface stabiliser at sonication time ~ 10 min and having maximum percentage yield of 49.87%. During characterisation studies and MCF-6 cell line studies, it was found that wheatgrass has antioxidant potential and is potent against breast cancer.

CONCLUSION: As an alternative medicine for cancer, wheatgrass is considered to be effective due to its high antioxidant content.