Applications of Nano-based Novel Drug Delivery Systems in Herbal Medicine-Mediated Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing field with numerous applications in the field of medical science. One such application comprises nanoparticle biosynthesis from plant extracts and their compounds with their potential applications in cancer therapy. These plant-based nanoparticles have been observed to be effective against various types of cancerous cells both in vitro and animal models. Another application of nanotechnology is the herbal therapeutics comprising the use of novel nano-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of cancer. These novel drug delivery systems aid in increasing the therapeutic value and bioavailability of the herbal medicine. The application of nanoherbal formulations as novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) is more valuable as compared to other therapies. These novel drug delivery systems include phytosomes, liposomes, microsphere, nanocapsules, ethosomes, transfersomes, nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanoparticles. The effectiveness of these different plant-based nanodrug delivery systems has been studied against various cancer types. These alternative drug delivery systems help in increasing the efficiency of a drug delivery and safeguard the drug from metabolic processes alongside its sustained delivery, proper distribution, and protection from physical and chemical deterioration. In addition, they reduce the possible side effects of the drugs. In spite of the advancements, cancer endures to be a predominant and fatal disease. This has led to the increased use of nano-based anticancer drugs and their delivery systems, also known as nanotherapies against tumors due to their ability of site-specific targeting and multifunctionality. In this chapter, recent advancements in application of plant-based nanomaterials in cancer therapy and impending strategies are discussed.