Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nano-encapsulation of chelidonine, an active bioingredient of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), enhances its ameliorative potential against cadmium induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury in mice.

Highlights: [•] Chelidonine, ingredient of Chelidonium majus extract, nano-encapsulated with PLGA. [•] Characterization of nano-chelidonine shows it to be a suitable drug carrier. [•] Nano-chelidonine exhibits better bio-distribution profile in liver tissue of mice. [•] Nano-chelidonine reduces cadmium induced oxidative stress better than chelidonine. [•] Signalling pathways and toxicity biomarkers for action of both drugs elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]