Background: Linum usitatissimum seed essential oil (LSEO) has been used to reduce the risk of prostate and colon cancer. In this study, we optimized the bio-accessibility and bio-compatibility of LSEO to evaluate its cytotoxic, apoptotic and anti-angiogenic impact on the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780.

Method: We produced LSEO nanoemulsions (LSEO-NEs) utilizing the ultrasound-based technique and the size, its droplets' morphology and stability were characterized. LSEO-NE cytotoxicity was studied by estimating the viability of A2780 human ovarian cancer cell and normal human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFS). Their apoptotic activity was evaluated measuring the Caspase-3, 8 and nine gene expression. Finally, its anti-angiogenic potential was measured applying Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay.

Results: A significant dose-dependent cytotoxic impact of LSEO-NE was detected in the A2780 cells and not in HFF cellsThe apoptotic genes expression profile confirmed the A2780 cell apoptosis death. Moreover, the reduction in length and number of blood vessels in the CAM assay demonstrated the anti-angiogenic activity of LSEO-NE.

Conclusion: The cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity apoptosis, and anti-angiogenic effects of LSEO-NE indicate its potential as a novel anticancer compound. However, further cell lines have to be analyzed in case of its potential anticancer impacts on human ovarian cancer cells.