Anticancer activity of Yashada Bhasma (bioactive nanoparticles of zinc): A human pancreatic cancer cell line study

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Efforts to improve cancer treatment through nanotechnology are at the developmental stage, and it will be gracious if the drug with anticancer property itself is a nanoparticle. Bhasma is organomineral complexes which are bioactive nanoparticles. Yashada Bhasma (incinerated processed zinc) is widely used in Ayurveda for various diseases, and there are evidence that ZnO nanoparticles are promising antitumor agent. However, no studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Yashada Bhasma in pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods: Two types of test drugs, Parada Marita Yashada Bhasma (PMY) and Vanaspati Jarita Marita Yashada Bhasma (JMY), were prepared as per the guidelines of pharmaceutics of Ayurveda. Particle size analyses of Yashada Bhasma and Zeta potential study was carried out initially. Further human pancreatic cancer cell line (MIA PaCa-2) study was done using in vitro sulforhodamine B assay, keeping adriamycinas control. After 48 h of incubation, antiproliferative effects were assessed.

Results: JMY and adriamycin showed dose-dependent growth inhibition of cancer cells. Both Yashada Bhasma samples showed a cytostatic effect at this concentration.

Conclusion: The study leads to new avenues for cancer treatment by developing such unique and highly effective bioactive nano-sized therapeutic agent.