Improved Activity of Herbal Medicines through Nanotechnology

Abstract

Phytochemicals or secondary metabolites are substances produced by plants that have been shown to have many biological activities, providing a scientific basis for using herbs in traditional medicine. In addition, the use of herbs is considered to be safe and more economical compared to synthetic medicine. However, herbal medicines have disadvantages, such as having low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Some of them can undergo physical and chemical degradation, which reduces their pharmacological activity. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations have attracted attention due to their enhanced activity and potential for overcoming the problems associated with herbal medicine. Approaches using nanotechnology-based delivery systems that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and based on lipids, polymers, or nanoemulsions can increase the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and pharmacological activity of herbals. This review article aims to provide an overview of the latest advances in the development of nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations for increased activity, as well as a summary of the challenges these delivery systems for herbal medicines face.

Theoretical design for covering Engeletin with functionalized nanostructure-lipid carriers as neuroprotective agents against Huntington’s disease via the nasal-brain route

“…Numerous studies have shown that various nanoformulations made from naturally occurring polyphenols, including curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol, dramatically improve the health of individuals with neurological diseases. Medicinal herbs can be encapsulated or loaded in nanostructures, including nanoemulsions, SLNs, liposomes, and NLCs (Dewi et al, 2022). Bioavailability is the principal limitation influencing the translational perspectives of these herbs, with the BBB being the primary obstruction.…”

“…Liquid lipid is the core component of the NLCs, according to the literature finding Vitamin E to be the most suitable for our purpose, as it exhibits some exclusive properties, including its highly efficient antioxidant property, which delays the neuronal damage caused by OS. It also enhances the immunomodulatory effects of NCs by increasing the chemical stability of entrapped drugs (Dewi et al, 2022). Since vitamin E dissolves in lipids, it can be detected in LDL.…”

“…Researchers have investigated high liquid lipid concentrations and determined they have a high therapeutic retention rate because drugs often had better solubility in liquid lipids than solid lipids. NLCs become less viscous and have less surface tension, which makes the particle size smaller (Dewi et al, 2022).…”

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles in Delivering Bioactive Compounds for Improving Therapeutic Efficacy

“…Nanotechnology-driven herbal medicines offer potential and special qualities, such as turning less soluble and poorly absorbed ingredients, and incorporating unstable ingredients into promising pharmaceuticals. As a result, nanotechnology-based delivery methods offer a great opportunity to improve herbal activity and resolve problems using herbal therapy [ 8 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”

Silver Nanoparticles of Artemisia sieberi Extracts: Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities

“…The literature has stated that nanostructured systems based on nanotechnology can improve the characteristics of plant extracts. This might enhance several extract features, such as plant extract action, increase the sustained release of active ingredients, lower the needed dose, lessen side effects, and improve activity [15].…”