Formation of a traditional Chinese medicine self-assembly nanostrategy and its application in cancer: a promising treatment

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to prevent and treat a variety of illnesses, and its popularity is increasing worldwide. However, the clinical applications of natural active components in TCM are hindered by the poor solubility and low bioavailability of these compounds. To address these issues, Chinese medicine self-assembly nanostrategy (CSAN) is being developed. Many active components of TCM possess self-assembly properties, allowing them to form nanoparticles (NPs) through various noncovalent forces. Self-assembled NPs (SANs) are also present in TCM decoctions, and they are closely linked to the therapeutic effects of these remedies. SAN is gaining popularity in the nano research field due to its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and enhanced biodegradability and biocompatibility compared to traditional nano preparation methods. The self-assembly of active ingredients from TCM that exhibit antitumour effects or are combined with other antitumour drugs has generated considerable interest in the field of cancer therapeutics. This paper provides a review of the principles and forms of CSAN, as well as an overview of recent reports on TCM that can be used for self-assembly. Additionally, the application of CSAN in various cancer diseases is summarized, and finally, a concluding summary and thoughts are proposed. We strongly believe that CSAN has the potential to offer fresh strategies and perspectives for the modernization of TCM.

A Biomimetic Multifunctional Nanoframework for Symptom Relief and Restorative Treatment of Acute Liver Failure

“…Rhein is isolated from rhubarb, which is one of the most important and ancient herbs in traditional Chinese medicine . In recent years, rhein has been widely used for the treatment of liver-related diseases in animal and clinical experiments. , However, the applications of rhein have been largely limited by its poor solubility, low bioavailability, short half-life, easy degradation, and nonspecific organ toxicity. , Morphological imaging confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that RBC membranes were coated with RMBN but not RMN, which is a control nanoparticle lacking an erythrocyte membrane coating (Figure A). Furthermore, the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results revealed similar protein compositions for the RMBN and RBC membranes, suggesting that the RMBNs were successfully coated with the RBC membrane (Figure B).…”

“…In animal and clinical studies, the antioxidant compound rhein has been widely used to treat liver-related diseases . However, hydrophobic rhein typically has poor solubility, is easily degraded, has a short half-life, has low bioavailability, or has nonspecific organ toxicity. , Moreover, as an active antioxidant, rhein has been reported to have a protective effect on the liver, while other studies have shown that rhein has potential hepatorenal toxicity, indicating that rhein has bidirectional regulatory effects on liver disease . Currently, hydrophilic NAC is the only approved drug for treating APAP-induced liver injury.…”

Self-assembled nanodrug delivery systems for anti-cancer drugs from traditional Chinese medicine

“…The π–π stacking interaction is a weak noncovalent interaction, particularly in cases involving aromatic groups with bonded structures. 220 Many natural small molecules contain alkene groups with carbon–carbon double bonds, carbon–oxygen double bonds, or aromatic ring structures, which can easily lead to π–π stacking effects. In this case, π–π stacking interactions are the driving force for the construction of SANDDSs.…”

Study on the Nanoaggregate Formation Mechanism and Antipyretic Effect of Maxing Shigan Decoction

“…In addition, Ping et al identified an association between the antipyretic effect of Bai-Hu-Tang and its nanoaggregates . Moreover, Turkish galls were found to contain numerous nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. , Baicalin and berberine could self-assemble into nanoparticles, which demonstrated better antimicrobial activity than berberine alone . These findings highlight the significance of studying nanoaggregates to understand the material basis of the effects of TCM and emphasize the importance of exploring how nanoaggregates are formed. − The discovery of self-assembled nanoparticles in TCM decoctions has led researchers to explore the mechanisms underlying their formation. − Hu et al analyzed the chemical compositions of both the supernatant and naturally occurring precipitate of Sini decoction and identified that glycyrrhizic acid and three basic compounds (aconitine, hypaconitine, and mesaconitine) undergo a complexation reaction, thereby self-assembling into acid–base complexes .…”

“… 12 Moreover, Turkish galls were found to contain numerous nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. 13 , 14 Baicalin and berberine could self-assemble into nanoparticles, which demonstrated better antimicrobial activity than berberine alone. 15 These findings highlight the significance of studying nanoaggregates to understand the material basis of the effects of TCM and emphasize the importance of exploring how nanoaggregates are formed.…”