Preparation and Characterization of Ocimum basilicum Extract‐Loaded Niosomes and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic and Pro‐Apoptotic Potential in SKOV3 Ovarian Cancer Cells

ABSTRACT

Niosomes are promising nanocarriers for improving the stability, bioavailability, and delivery of plant‐derived bioactive compounds. This study aimed to prepare and physicochemically characterize niosomes loaded with Ocimum basilicum L. extract and evaluate their anticancer and metastasis‐related effects in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. The niosomes were characterized using DLS, SEM, FTIR, and in vitro release analysis, showing a mean particle size of 256.2 ± 0.21 nm, PDI of 0.265 ± 0.007, zeta potential of −35.4 ± 0.3 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.2 ± 0.6%. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay after 24, 48, and 72 h, and the 72 h IC ₅₀ (398.24 µg/mL) was used for subsequent analyses. The extract‐loaded niosomes exhibited significantly greater cytotoxicity than the free extract and empty niosomes, particularly after 72 h. qRT‐PCR revealed significant upregulation of Bax (3.46‐fold) and downregulation of Bcl2 (0.67‐fold), MMP2 (0.63‐fold), and MMP9 (0.64‐fold) ( p  < 0.001). Flow cytometry confirmed enhanced apoptosis, with 27.8% apoptotic and 5.87% necrotic cells. Overall, O. basilicum extract‐loaded niosomes increased apoptosis and modulated apoptosis‐ and metastasis‐associated genes, supporting their potential as nanocarriers for plant‐derived anticancer compounds.