Herbal Nano Formulations for Topical Drug Delivery: Prospective for Multiple Skin Disorders

Abstract

Dermatological conditions exert their influence across the globe, encompassing a broad spectrum of maladies ranging from commonplace afflictions such as acne and eczema to more formidable challenges like psoriasis and cutaneous malignancies. The realm of topical drug delivery stands as a pivotal modality in the domain of dermatology, proffering precise and minimally invasive therapeutic avenues. In recent times, the fusion of herbal curatives with the marvels of nanotechnology has surfaced as a pioneering strategy. This comprehensive review undertakes an exploration of the amalgamation of herbal constituents within nano-sized drug carriers, catering to the domain of topical applications, with a particular emphasis on their potential to address a myriad of dermatological conditions. The outset of this review is dedicated to the elucidation of the meticulous criteria governing the selection of herbal components and the underpinning rationale behind their integration into nanoscale formulations, thereby spotlighting the rich heritage of botanical remedies intrinsic to traditional medical practices. Subsequently, meticulous scrutiny of nanotechnology’s role in the domain of cutaneous drug conveyance ensues, elucidating diverse nanoparticle typologies and their respective mechanisms of therapeutic action. The crux of this review centers upon the manifold approaches of herbal nanoformulations, encompassing lipid-based matrices, polymer-driven carriers, liposomal constructs, micellar entities, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendritic platforms, and nanogels. For each of these approaches, illustrative case studies are presented, thereby affording perspicacity to their bespoke utility in the management of diverse dermatological conditions. In the ensuing discourse, the potential of herbal nanoformulations in the amelioration of acne, mitigation of psoriatic manifestations, alleviation of eczematous distress, acceleration of wound healing, attenuation of scar formation, and prophylaxis against cutaneous neoplasia is subjected to meticulous examination. The purview extends to the discerning analysis of clinical trials and the practice informed by empirical evidence, thereby shedding illuminative insight into the safety and efficacy profiles of these innovative formulations. Concomitantly, the challenges entailing regulatory adherence, standardization, and the enforcement of rigorous quality control are thoughtfully addressed, with a subsequent contemplation of the trajectories shaping the future of this burgeoning discipline. In summation, this review underscores the intrinsic value of interdisciplinary synergism and underscores the compelling imperative for relentless research efforts that propel herbal nanoformulations to the vanguard of mainstream dermatological therapeutics. In doing so, a new epoch in the management of cutaneous disorders is heralded, one that promises safe, efficacious, and patient-centric interventions, thus ushering in a transformative era in the domain of dermatological care.