Harnessing Nanotechnology for Optimized Herbal Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Cancer is widely recognized as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy in the field of cancer therapy. Nanoscale drug delivery systems, a category of innovative technologies, harness the potential of various nanoparticles and nanomaterials to efficiently transport chemotherapeutic drugs, revolutionizing cancer treatment. The use of natural products has shown substantial promise in both the prevention and therapy of cancer. Herbal medicines, in particular, have gained widespread use due to their inherent therapeutic advantages and notably fewer adverse effects compared to modern drugs. However, their hydrophobic nature has presented a challenge, limiting their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed nanocarriers tailored for the delivery of therapeutic agents to specific target cells. The combination of nanocarriers with herbal remedies results in improved bioavailability, enhanced pharmacological activity, and increased stability, all while minimizing systemic toxicity in cancer treatment. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of novel nanocarriers that find application in cancer treatment, with a specific focus on herbal medicine. The amalgamation of these innovative approaches offers promising prospects for the future of cancer therapy.