Nanodelivery of phytobioactive compounds for treating aging-associated disorders

Aging population presents a major challenge for many countries in the world and has made the development of efficient means for healthspan extension a priority task for researchers and clinicians worldwide. Anti-aging properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cardioprotective activities have been reported for various phytobioactive compounds (PBCs) including resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, catechin, etc. However, the therapeutic potential of orally administered PBCs is limited by their poor stability, bioavailability, and solubility in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, innovative nanotechnology-based approaches have been developed to improve the bioactivity of PBCs and enhance their potential in preventing and/or treating age-associated disorders, primarily those caused by aging-related chronic inflammation. PBC-loaded nanoparticles designed for oral administration provide many benefits over conventional formulations, including enhanced stability and solubility, prolonged half-life, improved epithelium permeability and bioavailability, enhanced tissue targeting, and minimized side effects. The present review summarizes recent advances in this rapidly developing research area.