Doxorubicin nanomedicine based on ginsenoside Rg1 with alleviated cardiotoxicity and enhanced antitumor activity

Aim: The authors aimed to develop Dox@Rg1 nanoparticles with decreased cardiotoxicity to expand their application in cancer. Materials & methods: Dox@Rg1 nanoparticles were developed by encapsulating doxorubicin (Dox) in a self-assembled Rg1. The antitumor effect of the nanoparticles was estimated using 4T1 tumor-bearing mice and the protective effect on the heart was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results: Different from Dox, the Dox@Rg1 nanoparticles induced increased cytotoxicity to tumor cells, which was decreased in cardiomyocytes by the inhibition of apoptosis. The study in vivo revealed that the Dox@Rg1 nanoparticles presented a perfect tumor-targeting ability and improved antitumor effects. Conclusion: Dox@Rg1 nanoparticles could enhance the antitumor effects and decrease the cardiotoxicity of Dox.Lay abstractDoxorubicin (Dox) is a drug used to treat cancer; however, it can be toxic to the heart. In this study, researchers made nanoparticles containing Dox and a component of ginseng, a root similar to ginger. They tested the nanoparticles in mice with tumors. The nanoparticles appeared to gather at the tumor site in greater amounts than free Dox. In healthy mice, the nanoparticles gathered less in the heart than free Dox. This means that putting Dox into nanoparticles such as these could improve their anticancer effect and decrease harm to the heart.Graphical abstract