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Different Types of Naturally based Drug Delivery Carriers: An Explanation and Expression of Some Anti-cancer Effects
Salar Masoomzadeh1,2,3, Tooba Gholikhani1,2,4, Ashkan Barfar1,2
1Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major impediment to increasing life expectancy. However, survival rates with average standard cancer treatment strategies have not significantly improved in recent decades, with tumor metastasis, adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance still posing major challenges. Replacement therapies are essential for treating this terrible disease. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of phytochemical-derived conjugated chemotherapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, low resistance, and dynamic physiochemical properties that distinguish normal cells in treating various types of cancer. The use of plant-based carriers has many advantages, such as the availability of raw materials, lower cost, lower toxicity in most cases, and greater compatibility with the body's structure compared to chemical and mineral types of carriers. Unfortunately, several challenges complicate the efficient administration of herbal medicines, including physicochemical disadvantages such as poor solubility and instability, and pharmacokinetic challenges such as poor absorption and low bioavailability that can cause problems in clinical trials. Novel delivery systems such as liposomes, phytosomes, nanoparticles, and nanocapsules are more suitable as delivery systems for phytomedicinal components compared to conventional systems. The use of these delivery systems can improve bioavailability, pharmacological activity, prolonged delivery, and provide physical and chemical stability that increases half-life. This article discusses different types of phytocompounds used in cancer treatment.
Insights
Phytochemicals offer promising cancer treatments with improved biocompatibility and lower toxicity. Novel delivery systems enhance the effectiveness of these plant-derived compounds, overcoming challenges like poor solubility and bioavailability for better cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with current treatments facing challenges like metastasis and drug resistance.
- Phytochemical-derived agents show potential due to biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and resistance properties.
- Plant-based carriers offer advantages like availability, cost-effectiveness, and better biocompatibility compared to synthetic alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of phytochemicals and advanced delivery systems in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the advantages of plant-derived compounds over conventional therapies.
- To address the challenges associated with herbal medicine administration and propose solutions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on phytochemicals in cancer therapy.
- Discussion of novel drug delivery systems (liposomes, phytosomes, nanoparticles, nanocapsules).
- Analysis of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic challenges of phytomedicines.
Main Results:
- Phytochemicals demonstrate favorable properties for cancer treatment, including biocompatibility and reduced resistance.
- Novel delivery systems significantly improve bioavailability, efficacy, and stability of phytomedicines.
- Advanced systems overcome limitations like poor solubility and absorption, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals, when delivered via advanced systems, represent a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional cancer therapies.
- Novel delivery systems are crucial for maximizing the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds.
- Further research into these advanced phytomedicines can lead to improved cancer survival rates and reduced treatment side effects.
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