Exosomes involve the physiological states of target cells, serve as essential elements of intercellular communication, and are associated with numerous diseases. Although it has been proposed that natural exosome-like nanovesicles from edible plants have an effect on communication with mammalian cells, the impact of these nanoparticles on cancer cell development has yet to be explored. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism associated with the inhibitory action of exosome-like nanovesicles from garlic (Allium sativum L.), one of the oldest medicinal plants, against bladder cancer T24 cell responses.

Human urinary bladder cancer T24 cells were tested with garlic exosome-like nanovesicles (Garlic ELNVs). Cell proliferation was examined with CCK-8. Cell apoptosis was studied using Annexin V/PI staining with flow cytometry. The migration and invasion were examined with transwell assays. The expression of relevant proteins was detected with Western blot assays.

Garlic ELNVs (10 µg/mL) inhibited the proliferation of T24 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Treatment of T24 cells with Garlic ELNVs induced apoptosis, accompanied by increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Garlic ELNV also significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of T24 cells and markedly increased the protein expression of E-cadherin.

Overall, our results indicate that exosome-like nanovesicles from garlic inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of T24 cells. They may provide a new approach to the therapeutic treatment of bladder cancer.