Liposomal Encapsulation of Resveratrol Enhances Hepatoprotective Efficacy Against Thioacetamide-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Albino Rats

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant and anticancer properties, but is limited in therapeutic application due to poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Liposomal encapsulation offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations and improve its pharmacological efficacy. Objective: The present study aimed to develop and evaluate resveratrol-loaded liposomes for improved drug release and hepatoprotective efficacy against TAA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Methods: Resveratrol liposomes were prepared and characterized for entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release using the USP dissolution apparatus I (basket method) in phosphate buffer pH 6.5 and 7.5. The in vivo hepatoprotective effect was assessed in TAA-induced HCC rats, comparing control, negative control, standard (silymarin), free resveratrol, and liposomal resveratrol (low and high dose) groups. Body weight changes, serum biochemical markers, and histopathological observations were recorded.