Doxorubicin nanomedicine based on ginsenoside Rg1 with alleviated cardiotoxicity and enhanced antitumor activity.

Lay abstract Doxorubicin (Dox) is a drug used to treat cancer; however, it can be toxic to the heart. In this study, researchers made nanoparticles containing Dox and a component of ginseng, a root similar to ginger. They tested the nanoparticles in mice with tumors. The nanoparticles appeared to gather at the tumor site in greater amounts than free Dox. In healthy mice, the nanoparticles gathered less in the heart than free Dox. This means that putting Dox into nanoparticles such as these could improve their anticancer effect and decrease harm to the heart.