Pharmacokinetic and anti-colon cancer properties of curcumin-containing chitosan-pectinate composite nanoparticles

Endophytes of Zingiberaceae: distribution and bioactivity of their bioactive metabolites

The endophytes associated with the Zingiberaceae family have demonstrated remarkable potential in various biological activities through their bioactive compounds that are useful for both medical and agricultural purposes. Additionally, isolated secondary metabolites from symbiotic microbes associated with this family of plants have shown promising results in various biological activities such as antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. This review focuses on the bioactive metabolites of Zingiberaceae endophytes with their potential biological activities against different pathogens as well as the production of phytohormones that promote plant growth. Furthermore, bibliometric analysis revealed the current key trends and collaborative works in this field. Additionally, the bibliometric analysis also explored a total of 75 relevant publications from the Scopus database that India is the most contributing country in this field with 38.7% of the total reported research work. The bibliometric approach helps uncover new research gaps by identifying emerging trends, underexplored topics, and collaborative networks, providing insights into areas that require further investigation and development. Notably, Streptomyces spp. have been commonly reported as potent endophytes, generating bioactive substances such as Vanillin and Resacetophenone with strong antibacterial activities. Significant knowledge gaps still exist, and with evolving therapeutic potential, this could offer a wide opportunity for new studies to emerge.

Natural product-based nanotechnological formulations for colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract. A silent onset often marks it and carries a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that natural products can suppress the growth of colorectal cancer and exert therapeutic effects at the molecular level. However, unfavorable physicochemical properties frequently hinder their clinical application, such as low solubility, limited bioavailability, short half-life, and rapid systemic clearance. As scientific and technological progress continues, increasing attention has been directed toward nanotechnology-based approaches. Techniques involving nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles are being explored to improve drug delivery. These advancements provide a promising foundation for overcoming the limitations associated with natural products. This review systematically examines the application of nano-formulations for natural ingredients to offer meaningful insights into their. potential use in treating colorectal cancer.

Carbohydrate polymer-based nanoparticles in curcumin delivery for cancer therapy

The application of natural products for cancer treatment has a long history. The safety and multifunctionality of naturally occurring substances have made them appropriate for cancer treatment and management. Curcumin affects multiple molecular pathways and is advantageous for treating both hematological and solid tumors. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of curcumin in vivo and in clinical studies has faced challenges due to its poor pharmacokinetic profile. Consequently, nanoparticles have been developed for the administration of curcumin in cancer treatment. The nanoparticles can enhance the distribution of curcumin in tissues and increase its therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, nanoparticles expand the uptake of curcumin in cancer cells, leading to increased cytotoxicity. Carbohydrate polymer-based nanoparticles provide a promising solution for the delivery of curcumin in cancer treatment by addressing its low solubility, limited bioavailability, and quick degradation. These biodegradable and biocompatible carriers, originating from polymers such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginate, protect curcumin, improving its stability and allowing for controlled release. Targeting ligands for functionalization provides selective and specific distribution to the tumor cells, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and reducing off-target impacts. Their capacity to encapsulate curcumin with other agents allows for synergistic therapies, enhancing anticancer results even more. The adjustable characteristics of carbohydrate nanoparticles, along with their minimal toxicity, develop a revolutionary, functional and safe platform.

Chitosan and Its Derivatives as Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery

Chitosan (CS) occurs naturally as an alkaline polysaccharide and has been demonstrated to have several activities of a biological nature. Additionally, as CS chains have functional hydroxyl and amino groups that are active, their applications can be expanded by chemically or molecularly altering the molecules to incorporate new functional groups. Due to its outstanding qualities, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and accessibility, it has received significant interest in all areas of biomedicine and nanomaterials being extremely promising as drug nanocarrier. The last decades have produced a lot of interest in CS-based nanoparticles (CSNPs), with an increasing number of research papers from around 1500 in 2015 to almost 5000 in 2024. The degree of crosslinking, the particulate system's shape, size, and density, in addition to the drug's physical and chemical properties, all have a role in how the drug is transported and released from CSNPs. When creating potential drug delivery systems based on CSNPs, all these factors must be considered. In earlier, CSNPs were employed to enhance the pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and solubility properties of drugs. By investigating its positively charged characteristics and changeable functional groups, CS has evolved into a versatile drug delivery system. The drug release from CSNPs will definitely be influenced by various changes to the functional groups, charges, and polymer backbone. This review mainly discusses the most important results published in the last decade. Despite the promising advantages of CSNPs, challenges related to the translation into clinical stages remain and further in vitro and in vivo studies are mandatory.

Advancements in curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticle delivery systems: progressive strategies in cancer therapy

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden with little impact especially on aggressive types of cancer. Conventional therapies have many serious side effects including generalised systemic toxicity which limits their long-term use. Tumour resistance and recurrence is another main problem associated with conventional therapy. Purified or extracted natural products have been investigated as cost-effective cancer chemoprotective agents with the potential to reverse or delaying carcinogenesis. Curcumin (CUR) as a natural polyphenolic component, exhibits many pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, activity against neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer, antidiabetic activities (type II diabetes), anticoagulant properties, wound healing effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. Despite these effective protective properties, CUR has several limitations, including poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, chemical instability, rapid metabolism and a short half-life time. To overcome the pharmaceutical problems associated with free CUR, novel nanomedicine strategies (including polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs have been developed. These formulations have the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of curcuminoids. In this review, we comprehensively summarise and discuss recent in vitro and in vivo studies to explore the pharmaceutical significance and clinical benefits of PLGA-NPs delivery system to improve the efficacy of CUR in the treatment of cancer.

Sweeten the pill: Multi-faceted polysaccharide-based carriers for colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second deadliest cancer globally and the third most common malignant tumor. While surgery remains the primary treatment for CRC, alternative therapies such as chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are also commonly used. The significant side effects and toxicity of conventional drugs drive the search for novel targeted therapies, including the design of advanced drug delivery systems. Polysaccharide-based biopolymers, with their low toxicity, non-immunogenic behavior, synergistic interactions with other biopolymers, and tissue and cell compatibility, emerge as excellent drug carriers for this application. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of recent advancements in developing polysaccharide-based biopolymeric carriers for anticancer compounds in the treatment of CRC. We highlight the multifunctional nature of polysaccharides, showcasing their potential as standalone drug carriers or as integral components of intelligent robotic devices for biomedical therapeutic applications. In addition to exploring the opportunities for using carbohydrate polymers in CRC treatment, we address the challenges and failures that may limit their applicability in biomedical research, as well as summarize the recent preclinical and clinical trials, resulting in several commercialization attempts. This comprehensive overview critically summarizes the potential of polysaccharide-based biomaterials in CRC treatment.

Applications of polysaccharides in enzyme-triggered oral colon-specific drug delivery systems: A review

Enzyme-triggered oral colon-specific drug delivery system (EtOCDDS1) can withstand the harsh stomach and small intestine environments, releasing encapsulated drugs selectively in the colon in response to colonic microflora, exerting local or systematic therapeutic effects. EtOCDDS boasts high colon targetability, enhanced drug bioavailability, and reduced systemic side effects. Polysaccharides are extensively used in enzyme-triggered oral colon-specific drug delivery systems, and its colon targetability has been widely confirmed, as their properties meet the demand of EtOCDDS. Polysaccharides, known for their high safety and excellent biocompatibility, feature modifiable structures. Some remain undigested in the stomach and small intestine, whether in their natural state or after modifications, and are exclusively broken down by colon-resident microbiota. Such characteristics make them ideal materials for EtOCDDS. This article reviews the design principles of EtOCDDS as well as commonly used polysaccharides and their characteristics, modifications, applications and specific mechanism for colon targeting. The article concludes by summarizing the limitations and potential of ETOCDDS to stimulate the development of innovative design approaches.

Synthesis of β-acids loaded chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticle towards controlled release, antibacterial and anticancer activity

The development of nanoparticles loaded with natural active ingredients is one of the hot trends in the pharmaceutical industry. Herein, chitosan was selected as the base material, and sodium tripolyphosphate was chosen as the cross-linking agent. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with β-acids from hops were prepared by the ionic cross-linking method. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that chitosan nanoparticles successfully encapsulated β-acids. The loading capacity of chitosan nanoparticles with β-acids was 2.00 %-18.26 %, and the encapsulation efficiency was 0.58 %-55.94 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), particle size, and zeta potential results displayed that the nanoparticles revealed a sphere-like distribution with a particle size range of 241-261 nm, and the potential exhibited positive potential (+14.47-+16.27 mV). The chitosan nanoparticles could slowly release β-acids from different simulated release media. Notably, the β-acids-loaded nanoparticles significantly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli ATCC25922 (E. coli). Besides, β-acids-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were cytotoxic to colorectal cancer cells (HT-29 and HCT-116). Therefore, applying chitosan nanoparticles can further expand the application of β-acids in biomedical fields.

Stimuli-responsive (nano)architectures for phytochemical delivery in cancer therapy

The use of phytochemicals for purpose of cancer therapy has been accelerated due to resistance of tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy drugs and therefore, monotherapy does not cause significant improvement in the prognosis and survival of patients. Therefore, administration of natural products alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs due to various mechanisms of action has been suggested. However, cancer therapy using phytochemicals requires more attention because of poor bioavailability of compounds and lack of specific accumulation at tumor site. Hence, nanocarriers for specific delivery of phytochemicals in tumor therapy has been suggested. The pharmacokinetic profile of natural products and their therapeutic indices can be improved. The nanocarriers can improve potential of natural products in crossing over BBB and also, promote internalization in cancer cells through endocytosis. Moreover, (nano)platforms can deliver both natural and synthetic anti-cancer drugs in combination cancer therapy. The surface functionalization of nanostructures with ligands improves ability in internalization in tumor cells and improving cytotoxicity of natural compounds. Interestingly, stimuli-responsive nanostructures that respond to endogenous and exogenous stimuli have been employed for delivery of natural compounds in cancer therapy. The decrease in pH in tumor microenvironment causes degradation of bonds in nanostructures to release cargo and when changes in GSH levels occur, it also mediates drug release from nanocarriers. Moreover, enzymes in the tumor microenvironment such as MMP-2 can mediate drug release from nanocarriers and more progresses in targeted drug delivery obtained by application of nanoparticles that are responsive to exogenous stimulus including light.

Advancement in Therapeutic Intervention of Prebiotic-Based Nanoparticles for Colonic Diseases

Intestinal flora has become a therapeutic target for the intervention of colonic diseases (CDs) with better understanding of the interplay between microbiota and CDs. Depending on unique properties and prominent ability of regulating the intestinal flora, prebiotics can not only achieve a colon-specific drug delivery but also maintain the intestinal homeostasis, thus playing a positive role in the intervention of CDs. Currently, different studies on prebiotic-based nanoparticles have been contrived for colonic drug delivery and have shown great potential in curing various CDs, such as colitis and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic survey on the use of prebiotic nanoparticles for the treatment of CDs. This review aims to generalize the state-of-the-art of prebiotic nanomedicines specific for CDs. The species and function of intestinal flora and various kinds of prebiotics available as well as their regulating effects on intestinal flora were expounded. A variety of prebiotic nanoparticles pertinent to colon-targeted drug delivery systems were illustrated with particular emphasis on their curative activities on CDs. The efficacy and safety of prebiotic-based colonic drug delivery systems (p-CDDs) were also analyzed. In conclusion, the synergy between prebiotic nanoparticles and their cargos may hold promise for the treatment and intervention of CDs.

Nanocarriers for Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicine (AIFCM) Used in Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapy

Active ingredients of Chinese medicine (AIFCM) are pharmacological substances taken from traditional Chinese medicine that show promise in treating gastrointestinal cancer. Compared with traditional chemotherapeutic drugs, AIFCM have advantages such as multi-target and multi-level treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Nanocarriers have the following advantages, better bioavailability, passive or active targeting of tumor sites and responsive release of drugs. The use of nanocarriers for delivery of AIFCM in treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, can overcome the disadvantages of some AIFCM, such as insolubility and low bioavailability. In this review, we first outline the background on gastrointestinal cancer, main curative factors and conventional therapeutic approaches. Then, the mechanisms for AIFCM in gastrointestinal cancer therapy are presented in the following four aspects: gene regulation, immune modulation, cellular pathway transduction, and alteration of intestinal flora. Thirdly, preparation of various nanocarriers and results when combining AIFCM in gastrointestinal cancer are presented. Fourth, application of novel targeted nanocarriers and responsive nanocarriers in gastrointestinal tumors is further introduced. Finally, the application of AIFCM in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer is summarized and prospected, hoping to shed some light on the nanocarrier-bound AIFCM in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.

Protection against Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress by Curcuma longa Extract-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles in Zebrafish Embryos

The link between oxidative stress and environmental factors plays an important role in chronic degenerative diseases; therefore, exogenous antioxidants could be an effective alternative to combat disease progression and/or most significant symptoms. Curcuma longa L. (CL), commonly known as turmeric, is mostly composed of curcumin, a multivalent molecule described as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Poor chemical stability and low oral bioavailability and, consequently, poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and limited tissue distribution are major restrictions to its applicability. The advent of nanotechnology, by combining nanosacale with multi-functionality and bioavailability improvement, offers an opportunity to overcome these limitations. Therefore, in this work, poly-Ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles were developed to incorporate the methanolic extract of CL, and their bioactivity was assessed in comparison to free or encapsulated curcumin. Their toxicity was evaluated using zebrafish embryos by applying the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity test, following recommended OECD guidelines. The protective effect against paraquat-induced oxidative damage of CL extract, free or encapsulated in PCL nanoparticles, was evaluated. This herbicide is known to cause oxidative damage and greatly affect neuromotor functions. The overall results indicate that CL-loaded PCL nanoparticles have an interesting protective capacity against paraquat-induced damage, particularly in neuromuscular development that goes well beyond that of CL extract itself and other known antioxidants.

Current Advances in Chitosan Nanoparticles Based Oral Drug Delivery for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

As per the WHO, colorectal cancer (CRC) caused around 935,173 deaths worldwide in 2020 in both sexes and at all ages. The available anticancer therapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and anticancer drugs are all associated with limited therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects and low chances. This has urged to emerge several novel therapeutic agents as potential therapies for CRC including synthetic and natural materials. Orally administrable and targeted drug delivery systems are attractive strategies for CRC therapy as they minimize the side effects, enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs. Nevertheless, oral drug delivery till today faces several challenges like poor drug solubility, stability, and permeability. Various oral nano-based approaches and targeted drug delivery systems have been developed recently, as a result of the ability of nanoparticles to control the release of the encapsulant, drug targeting and reduce the number of dosages administered. The unique physicochemical properties of chitosan polymer assist to overcome oral drug delivery barriers and target the colon tumour cells. Chitosan-based nanocarriers offered additional improvements by enhancing the stability, targeting and bioavailability of several anti-colorectal cancer agents. Modified chitosan derivatives also facilitated CRC targeting through strengthening the protection of encapsulant against acidic and enzyme degradation of gastrointestinal track (GIT). This review aims to provide an overview of CRC pathology, therapy and the barriers against oral drug delivery. It also emphasizes the role of nanotechnology in oral drug targeted delivery system and the growing interest towards chitosan and its derivatives. The present review summarizes the relevant works to date that have studied the potential applications of chitosan-based nanocarrier towards CRC treatment.

Chitosan-based oral colon-specific delivery systems for polyphenols: recent advances and emerging trends

Oral colon-targeted delivery systems (OCDSs) have attracted great attention in the delivery of active compounds targeted to the colon for the treatment of colon and non-colon diseases with the advantages of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. Chitosan, the second-most abundant biopolymer next to cellulose, has great biocompatibility, is non-toxic, is sensitive to colonic flora and shows strong adhesion to colonic mucus, making it an ideal biomaterial candidate for the construction of OCDSs. Being rich in functional groups, the chitosan structure is easily modified, both physically and chemically, for the fabrication of delivery systems with diverse geometries, including nanoparticles, microspheres/microparticles, and hydrogels, that are resistant to the harsh environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This review offers a detailed overview of the preparation of chitosan-based delivery systems as the basis for building OCDSs. A variety of natural polyphenols with potent biological activities are used to treat diseases of the colon, or to be metabolized as active ingredients by colonic microorganisms to intervene in remote organ diseases after absorption into the circulation. However, the poor solubility of polyphenols limits their application, and the acidic environment of the upper GIT and various enzymes in the small intestine disrupt their structure and activity. As a result, the development of OCDSs for polyphenols has become an emerging and popular area of current research in the past decade. Thus, the second objective of this review is to systematically summarize the most recent research findings in this area and shed light on the future development of chitosan-based OCDSs for nutritional and biomedical applications.

Prospects of Curcumin Nanoformulations in Cancer Management

There is increasing interest in the use of natural compounds with beneficial pharmacological effects for managing diseases. Curcumin (CUR) is a phytochemical that is reportedly effective against some cancers through its ability to regulate signaling pathways and protein expression in cancer development and progression. Unfortunately, its use is limited due to its hydrophobicity, low bioavailability, chemical instability, photodegradation, and fast metabolism. Nanoparticles (NPs) are drug delivery systems that can increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs and improve drug targeting to cancer cells via different mechanisms and formulation techniques. In this review, we have discussed various CUR-NPs that have been evaluated for their potential use in treating cancers. Formulations reviewed include lipid, gold, zinc oxide, magnetic, polymeric, and silica NPs, as well as micelles, dendrimers, nanogels, cyclodextrin complexes, and liposomes, with an emphasis on their formulation and characteristics. CUR incorporation into the NPs enhanced its pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance with respect to solubility, absorption, bioavailability, stability, plasma half-life, targeted delivery, and anticancer effect. Our review shows that several CUR-NPs have promising anticancer activity; however, clinical reports on them are limited. We believe that clinical trials must be conducted on CUR-NPs to ensure their effective translation into clinical applications.

Drug Delivery Strategies for Curcumin and Other Natural Nrf2 Modulators of Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases

Oxidative stress is associated with a wide range of diseases characterised by oxidant-mediated disturbances of various signalling pathways and cellular damage. The only effective strategy for the prevention of cellular damage is to limit the production of oxidants and support their efficient removal. The implication of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the cellular redox status has spurred new interest in the use of its natural modulators (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol). Unfortunately, most natural Nrf2 modulators are poorly soluble and show extensive pre-systemic metabolism, low oral bioavailability, and rapid elimination, which necessitates formulation strategies to circumvent these limitations. This paper provides a brief introduction on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in Nrf2 modulation and an overview of commonly studied formulations for the improvement of oral bioavailability and in vivo pharmacokinetics of Nrf2 modulators. Some formulations that have also been studied in vivo are discussed, including solid dispersions, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, and nanotechnology approaches, such as polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and micelles. Lastly, brief considerations of nano drug delivery systems for the delivery of Nrf2 modulators to the brain, are provided. The literature reviewed shows that the formulations discussed can provide various improvements to the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of natural Nrf2 modulators. This has been demonstrated in animal models and clinical studies, thereby increasing the potential for the translation of natural Nrf2 modulators into clinical practice.

Synthesis of novel polymeric nanoparticles (methoxy-polyethylene glycol-chitosan/hyaluronic acid) containing 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin for colon cancer therapy: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo investigation

The goal of the current study was to target 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) orally to colon tumours by synthesizing a targeting polymer. To achieve the optimum delivery for SN38, initially methoxy-polyethylene glycol (mPEG)-chitosan was synthesized and then nanoparticles were developed through ionic gelation between mPEG-chitosan and hyaluronic acid as a ligand for cell-surface glycoprotein CD44 receptor. The SN38 was loaded in nanoparticles (SN38-NPs) using the non-covalent physical adsorption method. The size of the optimized SN38-NPs was 226.7 nm, encapsulation efficiency was 89.23% and drug content was 7.98 ± 0.54% in the optimum formulation. The attachment of mPEG to chitosan was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transforms infra-red analysis indicated that SN38 existed in amorphous form and functional groups of SN38 protected in the formulations which could be a sign of suitable encapsulation of SN38 in SN38-NPs. In vitro study indicated that SN38-NPs were more potent against the cancer cells than free SN38. The cellular uptake of SN38-NPs improved up to 1.6-fold against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Moreover, SN38-NPs remarkably demonstrated superior anti-tumor efficacy in contrary to pure SN38. This suggests the advantage of SN38-NPs as a potent oral drug carrier which could be further explored for clinical investigations.

Colonic Delivery of Celastrol-Loaded Layer-by-Layer Liposomes with Pectin/Trimethylated Chitosan Coating to Enhance Its Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Effects

Herein, a flexible oral colon-targeting delivery system, mediated by electrostatic layer-by-layer alternate deposition with pectin-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) onto liposomes-loading celastrol (Cel/PT-LbL Lipo), was fabricated to enhance anti-UC efficacy. Along with layer-by-layer coating, Cel/Lipo exhibited surface charge reversal, a slight increase in particle size, and a sustained drug release profile in a simulative gastrointestinal tract medium. Based on its bilayer coating of polysaccharides, Cel/PT-LbL Lipo alleviated cytotoxicity of celastrol in colon epithelial NCM460 cells. Due to the strong mucoadhesion of TMC with mucin, PT-LbL Lipo benefited colon localization and prolonged retention ability of its payloads. Ultimately, Cel/PT-LbL Lipo significantly mitigated colitis symptoms and accelerated colitis repair in DSS-treated mice by regulating the levels of pro-inflammatory factors related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the pectin/trimethylated chitosan coating may allow for Cel/PT-LbL Lipo to function as a more beneficial therapeutic strategy for UC treatment.

Modulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Different Classes of Secondary Metabolites from Plants: A Mini-Review on Antitumor Effects

The broad pharmacological spectrum of plants is related to their secondary metabolism, which is responsible for the synthesis of different compounds that have multiple effects on cellular physiology. Among the biological effects presented by phytochemicals, their use for the prevention and treatment of cancer can be highlighted. This occurs due to several mechanisms of antitumor action demonstrated by these compounds, including regulation of the cell signaling pathways and inhibition of tumor growth. In this way, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear to be promising targets for the treatment of cancer. Their deregulation has already been related to a variety of clinical-pathological parameters. However, the effects of secondary metabolites on lncRNAs are still restricted. For this reason, the present review aimed to gather data on phytochemicals with action on lncRNAs in order to confirm their possible antitumor potential. According to the literature, terpenoid and flavonoid are the main examples of secondary metabolites involved with lncRNAs activity. In addition, the lncRNAs H19, CASC2, HOTAIR, NKILA, CCAT1, MALAT1, AFAP1-AS1, MEG3, and CDKN2B-AS1 can be highlighted as important targets in the search for new anti-tumor agents since they act as modulating pathways related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion. Finally, challenges for the use of natural products as a commercial drug were also discussed. The low yield, selectivity index and undesirable pharmacokinetic parameters were emphasized as a difficulty for obtaining these compounds on a large scale and for improving the potency of its biological effect. However, the synthesis and/or development of formulations were suggested as a possible approach to solve these problems. All of these data together confirm the potential of secondary metabolites as a source of new anti-tumor agents acting on lncRNAs.

Improved Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Drugs through Gastrointestinal Muco-Adhesion of Lipid Nanoparticles

Gastrointestinal absorption remains indispensable in the systemic delivery of most drugs, even though it presents several challenges that, paradoxically, may also provide opportunities that can be exploited to achieve maximal bioavailability. Drug delivery systems made from nanoparticle carriers and especially, lipid carriers, have the potential to traverse gastrointestinal barriers and deploy in the lymphatic pathway, which aptly, is free from first pass via the liver. Several poorly soluble drugs have presented improved systemic bioavailability when couriered in lipid nanoparticle carriers. In this review, we propose an additional frontier to enhancing the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs when encapsulated in lipid nano-carriers by imparting muco-adhesion to the particles through application of appropriate polymeric coating to the lipid carrier. The combined effect of gastrointestinal muco-adhesion followed by lymphatic absorption is a promising approach to improving systemic bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs following oral administration. Evidence to the potential of this approach is backed-up by recent studies within the review.

Therapeutic effect of curcumin in gastrointestinal cancers: A comprehensive review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a high global prevalence are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a great need to develop efficient therapeutic approaches. Curcumin, a naturally occurring agent, is a promising compound with documented safety and anticancer activities. Recent studies have demonstrated the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of different cancers. According to systematic studies on curcumin use in various diseases, it can be particularly effective in GI cancers because of its high bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, the clinical applications of curcumin are largely limited because of its low solubility and low chemical stability in water. These limitations may be addressed by the use of relevant analogues or novel delivery systems. Herein, we summarize the pharmacological effects of curcumin against GI cancers. Moreover, we highlight the application of curcumin's analogues and novel delivery systems in the treatment of GI cancers.

Pectin based multi-particulate carriers for colon-specific delivery of therapeutic agents

In case of colon-specific delivery of therapeutic agents through oral route, microbial/enzyme-triggered release approach has several advantages over other approaches due to unique microbial ecosystem in the colon. Multiple-unit carriers have an edge over single-unit carriers for this purpose. Among different materials/polymers explored, pectin appears as a promising biopolymer to construct microbial-triggered colon-specific carriers. Pectin is specifically degraded by colonic enzymes but insusceptible to upper gastro-intestinal enzymes. In this article, utilization of pectin solely or in combination with other polymers and/or colonic-delivery approaches is critically discussed in detail in the context of multi-particulate systems. Several studies showed that pectin-based carriers can prevent the release of payload in the stomach but start to release in the intestine. Hence, pectin alone may construct delayed release formulation but may not be sufficient for effective colon-targeting. On the other hand, combination of pectin with other materials/polymers (e.g., chitosan and Eudragit® S-100) has demonstrated huge promise for colon-specific release of payload. Hence, smartly designed pectin-based multi-particulate carriers, especially in combination with other polymers and/or colon-targeting approaches (e.g., microbial-triggered + pH-triggered or microbial-triggered + pH-triggered + time-release or microbial-triggered + pH-triggered + pressure-based), can be successful colon-specific delivery systems. However, more clinical trials are necessary to bring this idea from bench to bedside.

Curcumin as a great contributor for the treatment and mitigation of colorectal cancer

Cancer is one of the life-taking diseases worldwide and among cancer-related death; colorectal cancer is the third most. Though conventional methods of treatment are available, multidrug resistance and side effects are predominant. Physicians and scientists are working side by side to develop an effective medicament, which is safe and cost-effective. However, most failures are obtained when focused on the clinical perspective. This review mainly brings out the correlation between the curcumin and its use for the mitigation of colorectal cancer, the use of curcumin as a chemotherapeutic agent, chemosensitizer, and in a combination and synergistic approach. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of curcumin and its formulation approach helps in giving an idea to develop new approaches for the treatment of colorectal cancer using curcumin.

Exploitation of traditional healing properties, using the nanotechnology's advantages: The case of curcumin

Curcumin (CUR) has a long history of use as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent, for the treatment of various skin conditions. Encapsulation in nanocarriers may overcome the administration limitations of CUR, such as lipophilicity and photodegradation. Lipid nanocarriers with different matrix fluidity (Solid Lipid Nanoparticles; SLN, Nanostructured Lipid Carriers; NLC, and Nanoemulsion; NE) were prepared for the topical delivery of curcumin (CUR). The occlusive properties and film forming capacity, as well as the release profile of incorporated CUR, its protection against photodegradation and wound healing were studied in vitro, using empty nanocarriers or free CUR as control. The results suggest that incorporation of CUR in nanocarriers offers a significant protection against photodegradation that is not influenced by the matrix fluidity. However, this characteristic regulates properties such as the occlusion, the release rate and wound healing ability of CUR. Nanoparticles of low fluidity provided better surface occlusion, film forming capacity and retention of the incorporated CUR. All nanocarriers but especially NLC, achieved faster wound healing at lower dose of incorporated CUR. In conclusion, nanotechnology may enhance the action of CUR against skin conditions. Important characteristics of the nanocarrier such as matrix fluidity should be taken into consideration in the design of CUR nanosystems of optimal efficiency.

Oral delivery of micro/nanoparticulate systems based on natural polysaccharides for intestinal diseases therapy: Challenges, advances and future perspectives

Colon-targeted oral delivery of drugs remains as an appealing and promising approach for the treatment of prevalent intestinal diseases (ID), such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Notwithstanding, there are numerous challenges to effective drug delivery to the colon, which requires the design of advanced strategies. Micro- and nanoparticles have received great attention as colon-targeted delivery platforms due to their reduced size and structural composition that favors the accumulation and/or residence time of drugs at the site of action and/or absorption, contributing to localized therapy. The choice by natural polysaccharides imparts key properties and advantages to the nano-in-microparticulate systems to effective colon-specific oral delivery. This review proposes to discuss the physiological barriers imposed by the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) against oral administration of drugs, as well as pathological factors and challenges of the ID for oral delivery of colon-targeted systems. We then provide an updated progress about polysaccharides-based colon-targeted drug delivery systems, including microparticulate, nanoparticulate and nano-in-microparticulate systems, highlighting their key properties, advantages and limitations to achieving targeted delivery and efficacious therapy within the colon. Lastly, we provide future perspectives, towards advances in the field and clinical translation of colon-targeted oral delivery systems for ID therapy.

Chitosan-based nanocarriers for encapsulation and delivery of curcumin: A review

To overcome the poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability of curcumin, emphasize its functional features, and broaden its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, many nanoscale systems have been widely applied for its encapsulation and delivery. Over many decades, chitosan as a natural biopolymer has been extensively studied due to its polycationic nature, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and non-allergenic. Various chitosan-based nanocarriers with unique properties for curcumin delivery, including but not limited to, self-assembled nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanoemulsions, nanotubes, and nanofibers, have been designed. This review focuses on the most-recently reported fabrication techniques of different types of chitosan-based nanocarriers. The functionalities of chitosan in each formulation which determine the physicochemical properties such as surface charge, morphology, encapsulation driving force, and release profile, were discussed in detail. Moreover, the current pharmaceutical applications of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were elaborated. The role of chitosan in facilitating the delivery of curcumin and improving the therapeutic effects on many chronic diseases, including cancer, bacterial infection, wound healing, Alzheimer's diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatitis C virus, were illustrated. Particularly, the recently discovered mechanisms of action of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against the abovementioned diseases were highlighted.

Curry versus cancer: Potential of some selected culinary spices against cancer with in vitro, in vivo, and human trials evidences

Spices are dietary agents with immense potential for cancer chemo-prevention. A wide variety of spices are extensively used as food flavoring agents which possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties due to the presence of certain bio-active compounds in them. In vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials of selected spices against various types of cancer are being specified in this review. Effect of certain putative dietary spices namely turmeric, clove, garlic, ginger, fennel, black cumin, cinnamon, pepper, saffron, rosemary, and chilli along with its role in cancer are being discussed. Literature search was conducted through PubMed, Google scholar, Science direct, and Scopus using the keywords "spice," "cancer," "natural medicine," "herbal compound," "bioactive compounds." About 4,000 published articles and 127 research papers were considered to grab the brief knowledge on spices and their anticancer potential on a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Historically, spices and herbs are known for its traditional flavor, odor, and medicinal properties. Intensified risk of chronic and pervasive clinical conditions and increased cost of advanced drug treatments have developed a keen interest among researchers to explore the miscellaneous properties of herbal spices. Cancer is one of the deleterious causes of mortality affecting a huge number of populations worldwide. Arrays of cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are used to compromise the disease but effective only when the size of the tumor is small. So, an effective treatment need to be developed that produces less side effects and herbal spices are found to be the promising agents. In this review, we illustrate about different in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of wide range of culinary spices having antineoplastic potential.

Bridging the Gap of Drug Delivery in Colon Cancer: The Role of Chitosan and Pectin Based Nanocarriers System

Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases, and traditional chemotherapy has not been proven beneficial in its treatment. It ranks second in terms of mortality due to all cancers for all ages. Lack of selectivity and poor biodistribution are the biggest challenges in developing potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of colon cancer. Nanoparticles hold enormous prospects as an effective drug delivery system. The delivery systems employing the use of polymers, such as chitosan and pectin as carrier molecules, ensure the maximum absorption of the drug, reduce unwanted side effects and also offer protection to the therapeutic agent from quick clearance or degradation, thus allowing an increased amount of the drug to reach the target tissue or cells. In this systematic review of published literature, the author aimed to assess the role of chitosan and pectin as polymer-carriers in colon targeted delivery of drugs in colon cancer therapy. This review summarizes the various studies employing the use of chitosan and pectin in colon targeted drug delivery systems.

Pectin polymers for colon-targeted antitumor drug delivery

The use of chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of malignant tumors is always associated with the severe side effects negatively affecting all organs and systems in human body. One of the approaches for reduction of the toxic influence and enhancement of the antitumor drug administration efficiency is supposed to be the use of the biopolymer delivery systems. Pectins are considered the most promising components for colon targeted drug dosage forms as they are stable in the changing gastrointestinal media and easily degraded by pectinases produced by colonic microflora. A various range of the pectin-containing delivery systems were developed contributing higher concentration of the active drug molecules in particular site inside intestine and their lower blood level resulting in lowered risk of the severe side effects. This review discusses the various forms of the pectin-based materials such as hydrogels, tablets and pellets, films, microspheres, microsponges, nanoparticles, etc. as drug delivery device and attempted to report the vast literature available on pectin biopolymers in drug delivery applications.

A Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Solid Dispersion of Curcumin with Enhanced Bioavailability and its Hepatoprotective Activity

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. However, its low solubility in aqueous solutions, low absorption following oral administration, and rapid degradation limit its use as a functional food material. In this study, a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based solid dispersion of curcumin (DW-CUR 20) was prepared and its bioavailability was evaluated. In addition, its therapeutic efficacy as a hepatoprotective agent was investigated using the model of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced hepatocyte damage. The rat plasma pharmacokinetic study showed that the oral curcumin bioavailability of DW-CUR 20 significantly increased compared to that of non-formulated curcumin. DW-CUR 20 showed a concentration-dependent hepatocyte protective effect on t-BHP-induced HepG2 cells. DW-CUR 20 inhibited the release of lactate dehydrogenase and decreased apoptosis-related proteins such as Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, cleaved caspase-7 and cleaved caspase-8 on t-BHP-treated HepG2 cells. These findings suggest that DW-CUR 20 could be a promising formulation for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of curcumin and for improving the safety.