In vivo assessment of broccoli extract based hydrogel in mitigating DMBA induced breast cancer in female mice

Breast cancer remains a major global health burden, underscoring the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Broccoli-derived bioactive compounds, particularly sulforaphane, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and antiproliferative activities. However, their therapeutic translation may be limited by inadequate localization and systemic delivery. This study aimed to develop a broccoli extract-loaded hydrogel as a novel localized drug delivery platform for breast cancer therapy.

The therapeutic efficacy of the broccoli extract-loaded hydrogel was evaluated in a DMBA-induced mammary tumor model using female BALB/c mice. Treatment-induced alterations in oxidative stress and antioxidant defense were assessed by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). Histopathological analyses of mammary gland and liver tissues were performed to further evaluate tumor-associated tissue alterations and treatment-mediated protection.

Administration of the broccoli extract-loaded hydrogel markedly attenuated tumor-associated oxidative stress, as demonstrated by reduced MDA and nitrite levels, while restoring antioxidant defense through improved SOD and GSH status compared with untreated tumor-bearing controls. Histopathological findings further supported the protective effects of treatment, with improved tissue architecture in mammary gland and liver. The enhanced therapeutic response may be attributed to localized and sustained delivery of broccoli-derived phytochemicals from the hydrogel matrix, facilitating prolonged exposure at the target site while potentially limiting systemic toxicity. Collectively, these findings establish broccoli extract-loaded hydrogel as a promising natural, localized, and potentially safer therapeutic platform for breast cancer management and provide a foundation for further translational investigation.