carotenoid nanoemulsion

Carotenoid nanoemulsion is a stable formulation prepared from pomelo leaves (Citrus grandis Osbeck) containing fourteen identified carotenoids, including all-trans-lutein, all-trans-neoxanthin, all-trans-violaxanthin, all-trans-β-carotene, all-trans-α-carotene, all-trans-zeaxanthin, and all-trans-β-cryptoxanthin. This nanoemulsion has a mean particle size of 13.3 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 99%. It has demonstrated inhibitory effects on melanoma A375 cells by upregulating tumor suppressor proteins (p53, p21) and cell cycle regulators (cyclin B, cyclin A), while downregulating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK1, CDK2). Furthermore, it promotes apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, cytochrome-C), downregulating anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2), and activating caspases (caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3). The carotenoid nanoemulsion has shown greater efficacy in inhibiting melanoma cell growth compared to the carotenoid extract alone, indicating its potential as a functional food or botanic drug.