Chapter One - Plant-derived edible nanoparticles and their therapeutic utilities

Abstract

As sustainable sources of natural compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins, plants offer a rich repertoire of bioactive compounds that exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. These plant-derived compounds can synthesize nanoparticles (NPs), developed as a potential therapeutic approach for combating diseases. However, NPs face challenges such as delivery, safety considerations, toxicity, and production costs. In contrast, while effective, protein therapies are limited in targeting specific tissues and are used in treating chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders. The emergence of plant-derived edible nanoparticles (PDENPs) has brought a new dimension to the field. PDENPs offer a promising solution with enhanced oral bioavailability and resistance to breakdown in acidic environments. Recent findings indicate that PDENPs have substantial therapeutic promise, including their potential to combat cancer, reduce inflammation, and regulate gut microbiota imbalances. Importantly, PDENPs exhibit non-toxicity, better immunogenicity, and exceptional biocompatibility, making them a safe and viable option for therapeutic use. This chapter aims to analyze PDENPs by highlighting their biological function and production method, examining their potential therapeutic application in treating various chronic diseases, and sharing insights on possible future research paths.