Nano-Phytomedicine: Recent Advances in NanotechnologyBased Delivery of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds, Therapeutic Applications, Safety and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Plant-derived bioactive compounds have attracted considerable attention because of their diverse pharmacological activities and potential applications in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. However, many phytochemicals exhibit poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, rapid metabolism and low systemic bioavailability, which limit their therapeutic application. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies for overcoming these limitations by improving solubility, stability, gastrointestinal absorption, cellular uptake and controlled release. Different nanocarriers, including liposomes, phytosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, polymeric micelles and hybrid systems, have been investigated for the delivery of plant-derived compounds. Curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine and silymarin are among the most extensively studied phytochemicals in nanoformulation research. Preclinical studies suggest that nanoformulated phytochemicals may have applications in cancer, inflammation, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, infections and wound healing. Nevertheless, the majority of evidence remains preclinical, and challenges involving formulation standardization, longterm toxicity, manufacturing, pharmacokinetics and regulatory approval continue to limit clinical translation. This review summarizes recent advances in nano-phytomedicine, with particular emphasis on nanocarrier systems, mechanisms of enhanced phytochemical delivery, therapeutic applications, safety, regulatory considerations and future research directions.