An Updated Review Deciphering Apigenin Nanostructures as Promising Therapeutic Efficiency in Human Carcinomas

Apigenin (APG) is being investigated for its potential in treating different forms of cancer. It can regulate many cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, invasion, metastasis, and autophagy, via controlling multiple cellular signaling pathways. In addition, this chemical demonstrates a significant preference for cancer cells over healthy cells. This is a crucial factor when compared to other treatments for cancer. However, apigenin is distinguished by its limited ability to dissolve in water, sluggish absorption when taken orally, rapid metabolism, and strong affinity for binding to plasma proteins. Therefore, oral dosing generally results in low plasma concentrations. Nanotechnology is being developed to address the constraints of pharmacokinetics and physicochemical properties. It offers a precise and regulated method for delivering drugs, enhancing oral absorption, improving their solubility in water, and reducing side effects. The mechanism of action of apigenin has persuaded the scientific community to acknowledge it as an anticancer drug, hence supporting the utility of apigenin nano formulations as a contemporary therapeutic tool. Nonetheless, diverse nanocarriers for apigenin have effectively addressed inadequate water solubility and non-specificity towards target tissues. This review summarizes diverse biological aspects of apigenin and elaborates on the issues associated with using apigenin nanocarriers to enhance its efficacy in human carcinomas. Subsequent in vivo tests showed its capacity to decrease tumor size, prompting further experimentation with human subjects.