TAGRA 2024

The aim of this study was to develop nanoemulsion formulations of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) essential oils and to investigate their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Tarragon is a plant rich in tannins, flavonoids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds, and has attracted attention for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potential. Tarragon nanoemulsions were prepared by ultrasonic homogenization using Tween 80 emulsifier. The physicochemical properties of the nanoemulsions were evaluated by measuring the droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential using a dynamic light scattering device. The aim of this method was to increase the stability and bioavailability of essential oils. Cell viability studies were performed in A549 (non-small cell lung cancer) and HDF (human dermal fibroblast/healthy cell line) cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and the effects of different concentrations of the compounds on the cells were analyzed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by KUPRAK (Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and DPPH free radical scavenging methods. These analyses confirmed that tarragon essential oils have a strong free radical scavenging capacity due to their high phenolic content. Microbiological analyses investigated the antimicrobial properties of tarragon extracts and revealed their bacterial growth inhibitory effects against different microorganisms. In conclusion, this study aimed to provide a new platform for the use of natural products in cancer treatment by formulating tarragon essential oils with nanoemulsions. The study highlighted the ability of nanoemulsion technology to enhance the cellular interactions of natural products and showed that these formulations can offer new approaches in targeted therapy. The development of a less toxic and more effective therapeutic approach has significant potential, especially in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer. In this context, the study demonstrates the importance of natural products in biotechnology applications.