Bioactive Supermolecules: The Promising Assemblies Presented in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of safeguarding health and is a rich source for novel drug discovery.
• Supramolecular nanostructures, formed by non-covalent interactions of bioactive components, are found in TCM and show therapeutic potential.
• These nanostructures improve solubility of lipophilic compounds and offer synergistic effects with reduced toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in supramolecular nanoplatforms derived from TCM.
• To focus on three categories: nanoaggregates from decoctions, carbonized nanoarchitectures, and extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles from fresh herbs.
• To introduce their morphology, self-assembly mechanisms, and pharmacological activities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advances in TCM-derived supramolecular nanostructures.
• Categorization of nanoplatforms based on their origin (decoction, carbonized drugs, fresh herbs).
• Analysis of nanoplatform morphology, self-assembly mechanisms, and pharmacological properties.

Main Results:

• Identification of three main categories of self-assembled supramolecular nanoplatforms in TCM.
• Detailed description of their formation, structure, and therapeutic potential.
• Demonstration of improved drug solubility, synergistic effects, and reduced toxicity.

Conclusions:

• TCM-derived bioactive supramolecular assemblies provide insights into the material basis of TCM.
• These nanostructures represent promising therapeutic alternatives for various diseases.
• The study highlights the potential for advancing TCM modernization through nanomedicine approaches.