Development and in vitro evaluation of ursolic acid-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles in cholangiocarcinoma

     Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of cancer that affects the bile ducts and is a major health issue in northeastern Thailand and nearby areas. It usually doesn’t show symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment difficult.
     Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural compound from plants that can kill CCA cells by triggering cell death. However, UA doesn’t dissolve well in water, making it hard for the body to absorb. To improve delivery and reduce toxicity, this study used tiny particles made from a material called PLGA to carry UA. These nanoparticles (UA-PLGA NPs) were carefully made and tested for their size, shape, surface properties, stability, safety, and how well they deliver UA. In summary, UA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles show promise as a new way to deliver plant-based treatments for bile duct cancer.