Theoretical and Experimental Framework for Nanoparticle-Mediated Drug Delivery of Plant-Derived Anticancer Compounds Relevant to Nigerian Cancer Burden

Improving the bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery of anticancer compounds from Nigerian medicinal plants through nanoparticle encapsulation represents an approach that could translate Nigeria's rich ethnopharmacological resources into clinically relevant cancer therapeutics. This dissertation develops a theoretical and experimental framework for nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery of three plant-derived anticancer compounds relevant to the Nigerian cancer burden profile, specifically targeting hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. The three compounds, kolaviron from Garcinia kola, epigallocatechin gallate from Cymbopogon citratus, and allicin from Allium sativum, were selected based on documented anticancer activity and high relevance to traditionally used Nigerian plants. Physicochemical characterisation of each compound established stability limitations justifying nanoparticle encapsulation. Three nanoparticle delivery platforms were designed: chitosan nanoparticles for kolaviron, solid lipid nanoparticles for epigallocatechin gallate, and polymeric PLGA nanoparticles for allicin. Nanoparticle synthesis, physicochemical characterisation (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency), and release kinetic modelling were performed. A theoretical nanoparticle delivery efficiency framework was constructed using pharmacokinetic modelling to predict in vivo performance. In vitro anticancer evaluation of free and encapsulated compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), breast cancer (MCF-7), and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines assessed cytotoxicity, selectivity index, mechanism of cell death, and comparative bioactivity enhancement from encapsulation. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats demonstrated that encapsulation significantly extended plasma half-life and improved bioavailability for all three compounds relative to free compound administration. The dissertation provides an original multi-platform nanodelivery framework applicable to the Nigerian natural product anticancer pipeline. Keywords: nanoparticle drug delivery, anticancer compounds, Nigerian medicinal plants, bioavailability, cancer therapy.