<p>Ultrasonic Nanoemulsification of <em>Cuminum cyminum</em> Essential Oil and Its Applications in Medicine</p>
M. Joyce Nirmala, Latha Durai, Kagitala Anvesh Rao, R. Nagarajan
Abstract
Background and Study: Cumin seed oil (extracted from Cuminum cyminum ) has many applications but conclusive evidence of its therapeutic uses has not been presented. This study has explored the anticancer and antibacterial properties of the seed oil. Methods: The cumin nanoemulsion was prepared with Tween 80 non-ionic surfactant employing ultra-sonication technology. The anticancer activity of the nanoscale-based emulsion was evaluated through cell viability (MTT), antiproliferation evaluation through clonogenic assay, and apoptosis through Annexin V-FITC assay. Agar well diffusion was used to study the antimicrobial activity, and this was supported by membrane integrity analysis. Results: A thorough study of process parameters, aimed at obtaining the optimal surface concentration and emulsification time, was completed. GC-MS data indicated cumaldehyde as a major component. The resultant droplet diameter after a sonication time of 5 min was 10.4 ± 0.5 nm. MTT assay revealed the IC 50 value at 1.5 μL/mL and the early induction of apoptosis was evident. Tongue carcinoma cell line treated with cumin nanoemulsion presented a diminished colony formation. The nanoemulsion exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus . A significant cytoplasmic leakage was observed on treatment with cumin nanoemulsion. The consequences of the analysis projected cumin as a potential component for cancer therapy. Conclusion: This study provides definitive evidence for cumin essential oil nanoemulsion as a legitimate plant-based medicine that can bypass the drawbacks of the present aggressive treatment of cancer, can overcome the antimicrobial resistance, and can also meet all prerequisites. Keywords: cumin oil, nanoemulsion, tongue carcinoma cell line, apoptosis, antibacterial activity, anticancer activity