Involvement of Phytochemical-Encapsulated Nanoparticles’ Interaction with Cellular Signalling in the Amelioration of Benign and Malignant Brain Tumours

Abstract

Brain tumours have unresolved challenges that include delay prognosis and lower patient survival rate. The increased understanding of the molecular pathways underlying cancer progression has aided in developing various anticancer medications. Brain cancer is the most malignant and invasive type of cancer, with several subtypes. According to the WHO, they are classified as ependymal tumours, chordomas, gangliocytomas, medulloblastomas, oligodendroglial tumours, diffuse astrocytomas, and other astrocytic tumours on the basis of their heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms. The present study is based on the most recent research trends, emphasising glioblastoma cells classified as astrocytoma. Brain cancer treatment is hindered by the failure of drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is highly impregnableto foreign molecule entry. Moreover, currently available medications frequently fail to cross the BBB, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy are too expensive to be afforded by an average incomeperson and have many associated side effects. When compared to our current understanding of molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic agents, it appears that investigating the efficacy of specific phytochemicals in cancer treatment may be beneficial. Plants and their derivatives are game changers because they are efficacious, affordable, environmentally friendly, faster, and less toxic for the treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Over the past few years, nanotechnology has made a steady progress in diagnosing and treating cancers, particularly brain tumours. This article discusses the effects of phytochemicals encapsulated in nanoparticles on molecular targets in brain tumours, along with their limitations and potential challenges.

Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Absorption and Functional Mechanisms of Quercetin

“…[24] To explain these contrasting findings, it should be pointed out that EVs are able to pass through the BBB. [26,27] Thus, there is a possibility that phytochemicals embedded in EVs pass through the BBB to exhibit bioactivities in the brain, an issue currently under investigation in our laboratory.…”

Tap the sap – investigation of latex-bearing plants in the search of potential anticancer biopharmaceuticals

“…Thus, in recent years, the combination of plant-derived compounds with nanomaterials has gained enormous popularity. Numerous types of bioactive low-molecular weight metabolites present in plant latex such as alkaloids, flavonoids, have been effectively associated with nanomaterials ( Mehan et al., 2022 ). Several studies revealed that nanoencapsulation of pharmacologically active plant phytochemicals can increase the therapeutic efficiency in cancer treatment ( de Alcantara Lemos et al., 2021 ).…”

Antioxidant Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Their Biocompatibility and Bioactive Properties

“…Among the natural products, phytochemicals have been modified on the surface of nanomaterials to be utilized as the surface stabilizer and active material. The significant characteristics of phytochemicals are chemical diversity, biological properties, and low toxicity, and it was reported that the combinations of phytochemicals and nanomaterials have been demonstrated to enhance biological activity, biocompatibility, and low toxicity [11][12][13]. Gallic acid (GA), a phytochemical, has excellent potential for antioxidant effects, antiinflammation, and anticancer effects [14][15][16][17][18].…”