Abstract :

Hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid has been reported for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however, the compound’s biomedical application has been restricted due to its poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, in the present study, hesperidin-encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles (Hesp-IONPs) were synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The synthesized Hesp-IONPs was characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR and XRD to confirm the successful conjugation of hesperidin to the Fe₃O₄ core. The characterization results demonstrated strong optical absorption, characteristic Fe–O bands and a mixed crystalline–amorphous structure. Further, the synthesized Hesp-IONPs was evaluated for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The antioxidant assay results showed significant inhibition of free radicals and ferric-reducing potential by Hesp-IONPs with maximum inhibition values of 85-90% in DPPH and ABTS assays, besides FRAP assay showing 85% reducing power at 160µg/mL. The protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition assays also showed marked inhibitory activity with inhibitions of 90% and 88% respectively at highest concentration of 160µg/mL. The MTT cytotoxicity assay done using MG-63 osteosarcoma cells showed potent inhibition of cell proliferation by Hesp-IONPs with maximum inhibition of 85% at 160µg/mL and an IC₅₀ of 24.96µg/mL. Assessment of cell morphology showed cell shrinkage, detachment of cell membrane and finally cell death. The propidium iodide staining substantiated apoptosis mediated cell death by Hesp-IONPs treatment in MG-63 cells by showing nuclear condensation and fragmentation. Altogether, the present study findings showed that Hesp-IONPs significantly enhance the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential of hesperidin, offering a promising nano-therapeutic platform for biomedical applications, particularly in cancer management.