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Updated: May 23, 2025
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Herbal based nanoparticles as a possible and potential treatment of cancer: a review
Roshan Yadav1, Himmat Singh Chawra1, Gaurav Dubey2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303121, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is the greatest cause of mortality worldwide. Various drug classes treat various cancers. Nanoformulations made from natural sources are being studied for treating several diseases, including cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation have mostly failed to treat cancer. These drugs may damage quickly dividing healthy tissues, structural anomalies, bodily toxicity, long-term side effects, tumor cell drug resistance, and psychiatric disturbances. Researchers are developing nanoscale medicines using natural medications like Malva sylvestris and Curcumin to lower concentrations and improve target specificity. Nanoparticles' small size and unique properties make them beneficial. They encapsulate medicinal ingredients, improving solubility, medication release, cellular absorption, and delivery. Nanoparticles may better identify and bind to cancer cells when functionalized with ligands. Natural chemicals and nanotechnology may improve medication availability, distribution, and targeting to cancer cells, making cancer treatments more effective and safe. Nanomedicine, which employs nanoparticles to treat cancer and malignant cells, has grown rapidly because nanodrugs are more effective and have fewer side effects than current commercial cancer drugs. Nanotechnology-based natural chemicals and pharmaceutical delivery methods for cancer therapy are covered in this review article. The paper discusses nanoparticle pros and cons and natural chemicals' cancer-fighting appeal.
Insights
Natural compounds like Malva sylvestris and curcumin are being explored in nanoformulations for cancer treatment. Nanotechnology offers improved drug delivery and reduced side effects compared to traditional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, with conventional treatments facing limitations such as toxicity and drug resistance.
- Current cancer therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often damage healthy tissues and cause significant side effects.
- Nanoformulations utilizing natural compounds are emerging as a promising alternative for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of nanotechnology in developing effective and safe cancer therapies.
- To explore the potential of natural compounds like Malva sylvestris and curcumin in nanomedicine for cancer treatment.
- To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nanoparticles in drug delivery for oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nanomedicine and natural compounds in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of nanoparticle properties, including encapsulation, targeted delivery, and cellular absorption.
- Examination of functionalization of nanoparticles with ligands for enhanced cancer cell binding.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles enhance solubility, controlled release, and cellular uptake of therapeutic agents.
- Functionalized nanoparticles demonstrate improved targeting and binding to cancer cells.
- Nanomedicine offers a potential for more effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects than conventional drugs.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology-based natural compounds represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
- Nanomedicine can improve drug efficacy, bioavailability, and targeting, leading to safer and more effective cancer treatments.
- Further research into nanoparticle pros and cons and natural compounds' anti-cancer properties is warranted.
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