Overview of phytosomes in treating cancer: Advancement, challenges, and future outlook

Plant extracts with antioxidant and hepatoprotective benefits for liver health: A bibliometric analysis of drug delivery systems

BACKGROUND

The rising global burden of liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis, has necessitated innovative therapeutic approaches. Plant-based therapies, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have shown promising effects. However, poor bioavailability limits their clinical application.

AIM

To map global research trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in plant-based therapies combined with advanced drug delivery systems for liver health.

METHODS

Using the Scopus database, 645 documents were retrieved and analyzed using bibliometric tools Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Analysis focused on publication trends, geographical contributions, and advancements in drug delivery technologies, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and polymeric micelles. Metrics such as publication growth rate, authorship collaboration, and thematic clustering were assessed.

RESULTS

The dataset spans 43 years (1981-2024), with an annual growth rate of 11.09% in the number of publications. Research output is dominated by China (33%), followed by the United States (24%) and India (18%). Collaborative studies accounted for 24.34% of publications, with an average of 5.81 co-authors per document. Key innovations include nanoparticle encapsulation of curcumin and silymarin, improving bioavailability by up to 85%. Highly cited studies demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties of these compounds. For instance, curcumin nanoparticles showed a 70% improvement in solubility, and silymarin liposomal formulations enhanced therapeutic efficiency by 62%. Thematic analysis revealed a transition from basic clinical observations to molecular and pharmacokinetic research, with a focus on oxidative stress mitigation and hepatoprotection.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the growing synergy between plant-based therapies and advanced drug delivery systems, with significant contributions from Asian and Western countries. Future efforts should prioritize clinical trials, standardization of plant extract formulations, and interdisciplinary approaches to maximize therapeutic outcomes. The findings provide a foundation for integrating plant-derived compounds into evidence-based hepatological therapies, addressing critical challenges in bioavailability and safety.

Phytosomes as a New Frontier and Emerging Nanotechnology Platform for Phytopharmaceuticals: Therapeutic and Clinical Applications

A complete investigation into phytosome-based formulations and innovative nanotechnology is presented in this review. This investigation aims to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of herbal components. Phytosomes can significantly increase solubility, absorption, and stability compared to standard herbal formulations by encapsulating active phytoconstituents into phospholipid complexes. This unique ability of phytosomes to overcome the limits of traditional herbal formulations is a potential game changer in medicine. This study highlights the different uses of phytosomes across various health disorders, such as neurodegenerative illnesses, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and wound healing. The review also discusses the potential of phytosomes in treating infectious diseases by improving the delivery of bioactive compounds that have improved anticancer efficacy and antibacterial properties. Despite the emergence of numerous groundbreaking discoveries, substantial barriers remain that hinder their widespread application. Challenges that must be addressed include stability, large-scale manufacture, regulatory hurdles, and limited clinical translation. This review also examines the limitations present in clinical practice, mainly focusing on the variability in bioavailability. The review highlights the crucial need for future research in phytosomes, engaging the researchers and emphasizing the continuous evolution of this promising area of medicine.

Preparation, characterisation, anticancer potential and safety evaluation of a soy lecithin phytosome delivery system loaded with constituents from Barleria lupulina

In this study, antineoplastic effects of a novel soy lecithin-based phytosome drug delivery system containing Barleria lupulina Lindl. extract (BLSP) was evaluated. BLSP was prepared using the thin-film hydration method and analysed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Zetasizer technique. Phytosomes showed a mean-diameter of 135 ± 0.29 nm, zeta potential of -56 ± 1.16 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 57.24 ± 0.12%. The drug release profiles exhibited a two-phase pattern with a protracted and sustained release after the first release. BLSP had a cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 breast and HeLa cervical cancers and demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential. BLSP caused upregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated-X protein, caspase-8, caspase-9, and cluster of differentiation-95, and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2. The in vivo toxicity study showed the safety of BLSP. Overall, BLSP has demonstrated potential as a promising formulation for delivering B. lupulina phytoconstituents to treat breast and cervical cancer.

A comprehensive review of Schisandra chinensis lignans: pharmacokinetics, pharmacological mechanisms, and future prospects in disease prevention and treatment

Lignans derived from Schisandra chinensis have attracted significant attention for their diverse pharmacological activities and clinical potential. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the pharmacological properties of Schisandra chinensis lignans, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antibacterial/viral, antidiabetic and anticancer effects. Their multifaceted mechanisms of action hold promise for therapeutic areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, aligning with urgent clinical needs. Additionally, this review explores the pharmacokinetics of these bioactive compounds, highlighting challenges in their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, which impact their bioavailability. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems are discussed, highlighting their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of combining these lignans with other therapeutic agents are considered a strategy to increase their efficacy. Future research is imperative to identify additional active components and elucidate novel mechanisms of action, paving the way for expanded therapeutic applications and unlocking the full clinical potential of Schisandra chinensis in disease prevention and treatment.

Innovative approaches in breast cancer therapy: repurposing nanocarriers for enhanced outcomes

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers globally, affecting over 685,000 women annually. While traditional treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have contributing to improved survival rates; however, they are often plagued by limitations such as systemic toxicity, lack of targeted therapy, development of resistance, and collateral damage to healthy tissues. While targeted therapies and endocrine treatment have provided more personalized approaches, challenges like side effects and limited effectiveness in specific subtypes remain. Nanotechnology offers new avenues for addressing these challenges, particularly through the development of advanced nanocarrier systems. Nanocarrier systems are designed to enhance drug targeting, improve bioavailability, reduce side effects, and combat drug resistance. These advanced delivery systems facilitate controlled release, higher drug concentration at target sites, and the potential for combination therapies, thus improving treatment outcomes. Breast cancer clinical trials assess treatment effectiveness, providing critical insights through their statuses and outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of nanocarrier systems in overcoming the limitation of traditional therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes for breast cancer treatment.

Trends, key contributors, and emerging issues in honey and breast cancer: A bibliometric analysis from 2014 to 2024

Background

Honey, a natural product with diverse bioactive compounds, has been increasingly explored for its potential anticancer properties. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the scientific literature on the relationship between honey and breast cancer.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the ScienceDirect database to identify publications from 2014 to 2024. Data on publication trends, author collaboration, and keyword analysis were extracted to gain insight into the research landscape. Keyword analysis identified nine distinct clusters, indicating diverse research directions regarding the role of honey in breast cancer treatment.

Results

In Key journals such as the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry have been at the forefront of disseminating research findings in this domain, demonstrating a strongly interdisciplinary approach that bridges traditional medicine and modern scientific inquiry. The increasing interest in the anticancer properties of honey, as evidenced by the growing number of studies, underlines its potential as a promising natural agent for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge landscape and highlights emerging issues that require further exploration.

Recent advancements in genistein nanocarrier systems for effective cancer management

Cancer continues to be a significant global health concern, consistently ranking as one of the leading causes of mortality across diverse populations and socio-economic contexts. Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavonoid, has gained significant attention for its diverse health benefits, particularly its potent anticancer activity. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical evidences highlights its ability to modulate key cellular processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, immune responses and cell cycle regulation. Despite its therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of genistein is limited by its poor pharmacokinetics, low aqueous solubility, and rapid metabolic degradation, resulting in suboptimal bioavailability. To address these limitations, various nanotechnology-based formulations have been developed, significantly improving the bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy of genistein. Functionalized nanocarriers further enhance its effectiveness by enabling targeted drug delivery, reducing off-target toxicities, and achieving sustained release at the tumor site. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced nanoformulations for genistein delivery emphasizing their efficacy against prevalent cancers such as breast, lung, and colon cancer. By exploring the interplay between genistein's therapeutic potential and innovative drug delivery systems, this review underscores the transformative impact of nanotechnology in overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapies and improving patience compliance.

Demystifying the Potential of Embelin-Loaded Nanoformulations: a Comprehensive Review

Phytoconstituent based therapies have the potential to reduce the adverse effects and enhance overall patient compliance for different diseased conditions. Embelin (EMB) is a natural compound extracted from Embelia ribes that has demonstrated high therapeutic potential, particularly as anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapeutic applications. However, its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability limitations make it challenging to use in biomedical applications. Nanostructure-based novel formulations have shown the potential to improve physicochemical and biological characteristics of active pharmaceutical ingredients obtained from plants. Different nanoformulations that have been utilized to encapsulate/entrap EMB for various therapeutic applications are nanoliposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, phytosomes, self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, silver nanoparticles, microparticles, solid lipid nanoparticle, gold nanoparticles and nanomicelles. The common methods reported for the preparation of EMB nanoformulations are thin film hydration, nanoprecipitation, ethanol injection, emulsification followed by sonication. The size of nanoformulations ranged in between 50 and 345 nm. In this review, the mentioned EMB loaded nanocarriers are methodically discussed for size, shape, drug entrapment, zeta potential, in vitro release & permeation and in vivo studies. Potential of EMB with other drugs (dual drug approach) incorporated in nanocarriers are also discussed (physicochemical and preclinical characteristics). Patents related to EMB nanoformulations are also presented which showed the clinical translation of this bioactive for future utilization in different indications.

Novel drug delivery systems in colorectal cancer: Advances and future prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an abnormal proliferation of cells within the colon and rectum, leading to the formation of polyps and disruption of mucosal functions. The disease development is influenced by a combination of factors, including inflammation, exposure to environmental mutagens, genetic alterations, and impairment in signaling pathways. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often used but have limitations, including poor solubility and permeability, treatment resistance, side effects, and post-surgery issues. Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) have emerged as a superior alternative, offering enhanced drug solubility, precision in targeting cancer cells, and regulated drug release. Thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional therapies and showing promise for more effective CRC management. The present review sheds light on the pathogenesis, signaling pathways, biomarkers, conventional treatments, need for NDDS, and application of NDDS against CRC. Additionally, clinical trials, ongoing clinical trials, marketed formulations, and patents on CRC are also covered in the present review.

Fabrication of Phytosome with Enhanced Activity of Sonneratia alba: Formulation Modeling and in vivo Antimalarial Study

Introduction

Sonneratia alba extract exhibits antimalarial activity, mainly due to its secondary metabolites-naphthoquinones, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins-where naphthoquinone is the primary active component. However, its low bioavailability limits its effectiveness. To improve this, a phytosome-based vesicular system was proposed. This study focused on formulating a phytosome with S. alba and developing a predictive model to enhance its antimalarial activity.

Methods

Phytosomes were produced using antisolvent precipitation and optimized with 3-factor, 3-level Box-behnken model. Particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were assessed. The optimized phytosomes were characterized by their physical properties and release profiles. Their antimalarial activity was tested in white BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei using Peter's 4-day suppressive test.

Results

The optimal phytosome formulation used a phospholipid-to-extract ratio of 1:3, reflux temperature of 50°C, and a duration of 2.62 hours. The phytosomes had a particle size of 471.8 nm, a zeta potential of -54.1 mV, and an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 82.4%. In contrast, the phytosome-fraction showed a particle size of 233.4 nm, a zeta potential of -61.5 mV, and an EE of 87.08%. TEM analysis confirmed both had a spherical shape. In vitro release rates at 24 hours were 86.2 for the phytosome-extract and 95.9% for the phytosome-fraction, compared to 46.9% and 37.7% for the extract and fraction alone. Overall, the phytosome formulation demonstrated good stability. The actual experimental values closely matched the predicted values from the Box-Behnken model, indicating a high degree of accuracy in the model. Additionally, the phytosomes exhibited significantly greater antimalarial activity than the S. alba extract and fraction alone.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that the vesicular formulation in phytosomes can enhance the antimalarial activity of S. alba extract and fraction.

Herbal Therapies for Cancer Treatment: A Review of Phytotherapeutic Efficacy

Natural products have proven to be promising anti-cancer agents due to their diverse chemical structures and bioactivity. This review examines their central role in cancer treatment, focusing on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and polyphenols, which exhibit various anticancer properties. These compounds induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, interfere with microtubule formation, act on topoisomerase targets, inhibit angiogenesis, modulate key signaling pathways, improve the tumor microenvironment, reverse drug resistance and activate immune cells. Herbal anti-cancer drugs offer therapeutic advantages, particularly selective toxicity against cancer cells, reducing the adverse side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Recent studies and clinical trials highlight the benefits of herbal medicines in alleviating side effects, improving tolerance to chemotherapy and the occurrence of synergistic effects with conventional treatments. For example, the herbal medicine SH003 was found to be safe and potentially effective in the treatment of solid cancers, while Fucoidan showed anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for patients with advanced cancer. The current research landscape on herbal anticancer agents is extensive. Numerous studies and clinical trials are investigating their efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action in various cancers such as lung, prostate, breast and hepatocellular carcinoma. Promising developments include the polypharmacological approach, combination therapies, immunomodulation and the improvement of quality of life. However, there are still challenges in the development and use of natural products as anti-cancer drugs, such as the need for further research into their mechanisms of action, possible drug interactions and optimal dosage. Standardizing herbal extracts, improving bioavailability and delivery, and overcoming regulatory and acceptance hurdles are critical issues that need to be addressed. Nonetheless, the promising anticancer effects and therapeutic benefits of natural products warrant further investigation and development. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to advance herbal cancer therapy and integrate these agents into mainstream cancer treatment.

Advancements in nanotechnology for the delivery of phytochemicals

Phytosomes (phytophospholipid complex) are dosage forms that have recently been introduced to increase the stability and therapeutic effect of herbal medicine. Currently, bioactive herbs and the phytochemicals they contain are considered to be the best remedies for chronic diseases. One promising approach to increase the efficacy of plant-based therapies is to improve the stability and bioavailability of their bio-active ingredients. Phytosomes employ phospholipids as their active ingredients, and use their amphiphilic properties to solubilize and protect herbal extracts. The unique properties of phospholipids in drug delivery and their use in herbal medicines to improve bioavailability results in significantly enhanced health benefits. The introduction of phytosome nanotechnology can alter and revolutionize the current state of drug delivery. The goal of this review is to explain the application of phytosomes, their future prospects in drug delivery, and their advantages over conventional formulations. Please cite this article as: Chauhan D, Yadav PK, Sultana N, Agarwal A, Verma S, Chourasia MK, Gayen JR. Advancements in nanotechnology for the delivery of phytochemicals. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(4): 385-398.

Advances in Organosulfur-Based Polymers for Drug Delivery Systems

Organosulfur-based polymers have unique properties that make them useful for targeted and managed drug delivery, which can improve therapy while reducing side effects. This work aims to provide a brief review of the synthesis strategies, characterization techniques, and packages of organosulfur-based polymers in drug delivery. More importantly, this work discusses the characterization, biocompatibility, controlled release, nanotechnology, and targeted therapeutic aspects of these important structural units. This review provides not only a good comprehension of organosulfur-based polymers but also an insightful discussion of potential future prospectives in research. The discovery of novel organosulfur polymers and innovations is highly expected to be stimulated in order to synthesize polymer prototypes with increased functional accuracy, efficiency, and low cost for many industrial applications.

Phospholipid Complex Formulation Technology for Improved Drug Delivery in Oncological Settings: a Comprehensive Review

Addressing poor solubility and permeability issues associated with synthetic drugs and naturally occurring active compounds is crucial for improving bioavailability. This review explores the potential of phospholipid complex formulation technology to overcome these challenges. Phospholipids, as endogenous molecules, offer a viable solution, with drugs complexed with phospholipids demonstrating a similar absorption mechanism. The non-toxic and biodegradable nature of the phospholipid complex positions it as an ideal candidate for drug delivery. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the mechanisms underlying phospholipid complexes. Special emphasis is placed on the solvent evaporation method, with meticulous scrutiny of formulation aspects such as the phospholipid ratio to the drug and solvent. Characterization techniques are employed to understand structural and functional attributes. Highlighting the adaptability of the phospholipid complex, the review discusses the loading of various nanoformulations and emulsion systems. These strategies aim to enhance drug delivery and efficacy in various malignancies, including breast, liver, lung, cervical, and pancreatic cancers. The broader application of the drug phospholipid complex is showcased, emphasizing its adaptability in diverse oncological settings. The review not only explores the mechanisms and formulation aspects of phospholipid complexes but also provides an overview of key clinical studies and patents. These insights contribute to the intellectual and translational advancements in drug phospholipid complexes.

Bioactive Compounds Formulated in Phytosomes Administered as Complementary Therapy for Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders (MDs), including dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are a significant threat to human health, despite the many therapies developed for their treatment. Different classes of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenes have shown therapeutic potential in ameliorating various disorders. Most of these compounds present low bioavailability when administered orally, being rapidly metabolized in the digestive tract and liver which makes their metabolites less effective. Moreover, some of the bioactive compounds cannot fully exert their beneficial properties due to the low solubility and complex chemical structure which impede the passive diffusion through the intestinal cell membranes. To overcome these limitations, an innovative delivery system of phytosomes was developed. This review aims to highlight the scientific evidence proving the enhanced therapeutic benefits of the bioactive compounds formulated in phytosomes compared to the free compounds. The existing knowledge concerning the phytosomes' preparation, their characterization and bioavailability as well as the commercially available phytosomes with therapeutic potential to alleviate MDs are concisely depicted. This review brings arguments to encourage the use of phytosome formulation to diminish risk factors inducing MDs, or to treat the already installed diseases as complementary therapy to allopathic medication.

Nanophytosome formulation of β-1,3-glucan and Euglena gracilis extract for drug delivery applications

Euglena gracilis (EG) is a unicellular freshwater alga known for its high β-1,3-glucan (BG) content with well-known biological properties and immune response. The high molecular weight structure of BG traditionally poses a challenge in terms of its size and absorption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a novel drug delivery mechanism of BG and EG to nanophytosomes (NPs) by converting the heavy molecular weight of BG and EG into lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC), which plays an important role in improving their bioavailability and entrapment in captivity. The BG and EG NPs were developed by the solvent evaporation method while varying time and temperature to optimize their drug delivery ability. The size of BG-PC and EG-PC obtained by the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method was 134.62 and 158.38 nm, respectively. Chemical (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) and structural (X-Ray Diffraction) characterization of NPs improved the binding capacity and the amorphous nature of both NPs. The shape of the NPs by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed their spherical, vesicular nature. The encapsulation efficiency of BG-PC and EG-PC was 82 ± 1.62 % and 87 ± 3.22 %, respectively, which improves the bioavailability. The developed methodology has thus proven effective in synthesizing BG-PC and EG-PC, which may be useful as NP drug delivery carriers. Future research could demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of long-term storage conditions for medical and pharmaceutical applications.•Nanophytosomes are tailored in size, shape and composition to optimize the delivery of phytochemicals/phytocompounds through nanoscale size and surface modification for better physiological absorption.•Nanophytosomes increase the stability of phytochemicals/phytocompounds and protect them from degradation due to heat or chemical reactions, leading to longer shelf life and improved therapeutic efficacy.•In this method, optimal conditions were created for the formation of β-1,3-glucan and Euglena gracilis extract nanophytosomes for successful development of drug delivery system that can effectively deliver bioactive compounds.

Nanotechnology Formulations Designed with Herbal Extracts and Their Therapeutic Applications - A Review

Because of the increasing demand for natural products, the development of nanoformulations containing natural active ingredients requires in-depth knowledge of the substances used, methods of obtaining, and stability profiles to ensure product quality, efficacy, and safety. Considering this, the bibliography of the last five years presented in databases (PubMed and Science Direct) was discussed in this work, discussing the study with medicinal plants to obtain active metabolites with therapeutic properties, as well as the different nano-systems responsible for carrying these molecules. Due to the wealth of biodiversity found in the world, many species are submitted to the extraction process for several purposes. However, identifying, classifying, and quantifying the constituents of herbal matrices are crucial steps to verify their therapeutic potential. In addition, knowing the techniques of production and elaboration of nanotechnology products allows the optimization of the incorporation of herbal extracts as an innovation target. For studies to be successful, it is necessary to exhaust experimental results that guarantee the efficacy, safety, and quality of natural nanosystems, with the objective of obtaining reliable answers in nanotechnology therapy.