Phyto-drug conjugated nanomaterials enhance apoptotic activity in cancer
Karuppaiya Vimala1, Soundarapandian Kannan1
1Division of Cancer Nanomedicine, Department of Zoology, School of Life Science, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is a major obstacle to increased life expectancy. However, survival has not improved significantly with average cancer standard treatment strategies over the past few decades; survival rates have remained low, with tumor metastasis, adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance. Therefore, substitute therapies are essential to treat this dreadful disease. Recently, research has shown that natural compounds in plants, such as phytochemicals, are extensively exploited for their anticarcinogenic potential. Phytochemicals may show their anticancer activity different cancer cell markers may alter molecular pathways, which promote in cellular events such as cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, regulate antioxidant status, cell proliferation, migration, invasion and toxicity. Although their outstanding anticancer activity, however, their pharmacological budding is hindered by their low aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability, and poor penetration into cells, hepatic disposition, narrow therapeutic index, and rapid uptake by normal tissues. In this situation, nanotechnology has developed novel inventions to increase the potential use of phytochemicals in anticancer therapy. Nanoparticles can improve the solubility and stability of phytochemicals, specific tumor cell/tissue targeting, enhanced cellular uptake, reduction of phytochemicals. Therapeutic doses of phytochemicals for a long time. Additional benefits include better blood stability, multifunctional design of nanocarriers and improvement in countermeasures. This review summarizes the advances in the use of nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer, as well as various nano-drug deliveries of phytochemicals against cancer. In particular, we are introducing several applications of nanoparticles in combination with phyto-drug for the treatment of cancer.
Insights
Phytochemicals show anticancer promise but face delivery challenges. Nanotechnology enhances their effectiveness against cancer by improving solubility, targeting, and cellular uptake, paving the way for novel cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Nanomedicine
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with limited survival improvements from conventional treatments due to metastasis and drug resistance.
- Phytochemicals, natural plant compounds, exhibit significant anticancer potential by modulating cell pathways, inducing apoptosis, and regulating cell proliferation.
- Challenges like poor solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid uptake limit phytochemicals' therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements in using nanoparticles for cancer treatment.
- To explore various nano-drug delivery systems for phytochemicals against cancer.
- To highlight the synergistic potential of combining nanoparticles with phytochemicals for enhanced anticancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nanotechnology applications in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of nano-drug delivery systems for phytochemicals.
- Examination of nanoparticle-phytochemical combinations in preclinical and clinical studies.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles significantly improve phytochemicals' solubility, stability, and tumor-targeting capabilities.
- Nanocarrier systems enhance cellular uptake and reduce systemic toxicity of phytochemicals.
- Combinations of nanoparticles and phytochemicals demonstrate improved therapeutic outcomes in various cancer models.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology offers a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of phytochemicals in cancer treatment.
- Nano-drug delivery systems can enhance the efficacy and safety of phytochemical-based anticancer therapies.
- The combination of nanoparticles with phytochemicals represents a novel and effective approach for future cancer therapeutics.
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