Nanotechnology-enhanced phytomedicines: Innovations and applications in cancer therapy

The convergence of nanotechnology and phytomedicine has emerged as a transformative strategy in cancer therapy. While phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants exhibit significant anticancer potential, their clinical application is often hindered by poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and limited cellular uptake. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems offer innovative solutions to these challenges by improving the solubility, stability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of phytoconstituents. This review critically explores the therapeutic role of phytomedicines in cancer treatment and elucidates the rationale for integrating nanocarriers to enhance their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. It further outlines recent advancements in nanoformulations, highlights key preclinical and clinical findings, and examines ongoing challenges in nanophytomedicine development. Emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary approaches essential for translating these innovations into effective and safe cancer therapies. Collectively, the insights presented underscore the promise of nanotechnology-enhanced phytomedicines in redefining cancer treatment paradigms by bridging traditional herbal knowledge with modern drug delivery science.