Recent developments of nanostructures for anticancer natural compounds delivery

Abstract

Compounds and extracts from natural sources remain pivotal in drug design due to their versatile interaction with enzymes, receptors, and metabolic pathways. Nano medicine presents an effective strategy for delivering natural products, ensuring heightened bioavailability, targeting, controlled release, and preservation against physical alterations. The burgeoning interest in nano-delivery of natural compounds is evidenced by the escalating scientific publications in this domain. This review aims beyond showcasing successful examples of nano-delivery systems containing natural products, highlighting the untapped potential in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets. Starting with an overview of plant-derived natural products and methods for obtaining Nano formulations, this work explores Nano particulate drug delivery systems targeting skin, central nervous, skeletal, cardiovascular systems, and diabetes. Despite significant strides in preparing Nano medicines with specific dietary polyphenols, research on crude extracts or standardized fractions remains scarce. Many plants with well-documented therapeutic properties listed in pharmacopoeias have yet to benefit from Nano technological advancements. Adequate Nano formulations might uplift certain plants from dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals by enhancing their bioavailability and efficacy.