Potential role of Adansonia digitata nanoparticles on colorectal cancer induced by colorectal cancer cells (SW620) in nude mice.

[BACKGROUND] Colorectal cancer is among the most lethal malignancies worldwide and represents the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both males and females globally. According to the Saudi Health Council (2020), colorectal cancer ranks first among Saudi males and third among Saudi females. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Adansonia digitata nanoparticles against colorectal cancer induced by SW620 human colorectal cancer cells in mice.

[RESULTS] The findings indicate that Adansonia digitata nanoparticles may represent a potential adjunctive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

[CONCLUSIONS] Adansonia digitata nanoparticles (ADNPs), particularly the encapsulated formulation (ADNPs2), demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in colorectal cancer. Treatment with ADNPs improved colonic histoarchitecture and modulated key inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways. Although several molecular markers did not exhibit statistically significant changes, consistent pro-apoptotic trends, downregulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and reduced tumor invasion were observed, indicating notable anticancer activity. These findings suggest that ADNPs2 may represent a potential adjunctive strategy for the management of colorectal cancer.