Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil and Andrographolide: A Combination Approach for the Treatment of Cancer

The objective of this study was to develop a nanoformulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with Andrographolide (AG) to synergize their anticancer activity, reduce the dose of 5-FU, and minimize the side effects of 5-FU. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of 5-FU and AG were synthesized and characterized separately for average particle size, EE, DL, TEM, DSC, and FTIR. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed in A549 lung cancer cells, and in vivo experiments were conducted using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)-induced tumors in Balb/c mice, evaluating tumor regression parameters (TRP) and lifespan analysis (LSA). The average particle size of the SLNs was below 150 nm. The combination nanoformulation of AG and 5-FU exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity in A549 cell lines, with an IC50 value of 18.45 ± 1.03 ( p