Abstract
Plant-derived secondary metabolites represent a reservoir of phytochemicals for regenerative medicine application because of their varied assortment of biological properties including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tissue remodeling properties. In addition, bioactive phytochemicals can be easily available, are often more cost-effective in large-scale industrialization, and can be better tolerated compared to conventional treatments mitigating the long-lasting side effects of synthetic compounds. Unfortunately, their poor bioavailability and lack of long-term stability limit their clinical impact. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems can overcome these limitations increasing bioactive molecules’ local effectiveness with reduction of the possible side effects on healthy bone. This review explores new and promising strategies in the area of delivery systems with particular emphasis on solutions that enhance bioavailability and/or health effects of plant-derived phytochemicals such as resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and curcumin in bone tissue regeneration.
Highlights
Bone defect, due to traumatic injury, congenital disease, or tumor resection, represents a severe ailment affecting millions of people
This review explores new and promising strategies in the area of delivery systems with particular emphasis on solutions that enhance bioavailability and/or health effects of plant-derived phytochemicals such as resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and curcumin in bone tissue regeneration
During the early stages of bone healing, the Wnt pathway suppresses the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts, while in the later stages it controls the commitment of the undifferentiated cells to the osteoblasts [39]
Summary
Due to traumatic injury, congenital disease, or tumor resection, represents a severe ailment affecting millions of people. Epidemiological studies have reported a correlation between a diet rich in biologically active factors such as fruits, vegetables, and olive oil and the reduced risk of bone loss and bone-related trauma [11,12] These compounds present in vivo limited biological activity, lack long-term stability, and are subject to oxidation overtime under exposure to oxygen, light, moisture, and heat [13,14]. A nanotechnological approach that involves controlled drug delivery systems for natural bioactive molecules could be a solution to avoid invasive procedures and minimize off-target cell behaviors. These alternative strategies could provide phytochemicals better performance, enhance their low water solubility or very short circulating half-life, improving the functionality and clinical utility [3,15]. A short chapter on the structure of bone tissue, its functional activities, and the regulatory mechanisms of bone remodeling/regeneration will help in understanding the results discussed
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