Isolation and characterization of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles from Carica papaya L. fruit and their potential as anti-inflammatory agent

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of Perilla frutescens-derived extracellular vesicles: Insights from Zebrafish models

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles have recently been extracted and recognized as promising bioactive molecules, owing to their distinctive biological properties and inherent therapeutic activities. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive properties, and therapeutic potential of Perilla frutescens-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that PELNs exhibited a cup-shaped morphology, with a lipid bilayer and a size distribution ranging from 40 to 200 nm (mean: 68.4 ± 13.0 nm). The cargoes in PELNs were analyzed through multi-omics and small RNA sequencing. In vivo studies on zebrafish demonstrated that PELNs are non-toxic at experimental concentrations. A reduction in neutrophil migration to injured fins evidenced the anti-inflammatory properties of PELNs. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of transcriptomic data identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across 12 samples of three experimental groups. These DEGs were annotated into three categories following gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Additionally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that these DEGs were involved in immune-related pathways, including complement and coagulation cascades, systemic lupus erythematosus, PPAR signaling pathways, and antigen processing and presentation. Twelve selected DEGs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), with particular confirmation of the mpx and lcp1 genes via in situ hybridization. Furthermore, PELNs demonstrated antioxidative effects by mitigating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as evidenced by measurements of four oxidative stress (OS) indicators (i.e., SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA) in zebrafish larvae subjected to H2O2-induced OS. In summary, PELNs exhibit substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, underscoring their potential as therapeutic agents for treating various inflammatory diseases.

Harnessing Mammalian- and Plant-Derived Exosomes for Drug Delivery: A Comparative Review

Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles involved in intercellular communication, have garnered significant attention for their potential in drug delivery and therapeutic applications. This review provides a comparative analysis of mammalian-derived exosomes, particularly milk-derived exosomes, and plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs). It explores their biogenesis, bioactivities, and functional similarities, including their roles in cellular communication, immune modulation, and disease therapy. While milk-derived exosomes exhibit promising biocompatibility and stability for targeted delivery, PDENs offer distinct advantages, such as scalability and inherent bioactivities, derived from their plant sources. Despite similarities in their structure and cargo, PDENs differ in lipid composition and protein profiles, reflecting plant-specific functions. Emerging research highlights the therapeutic potential of PDENs in managing inflammation, oxidative stress, and other diseases, emphasizing their utility as functional food components and nanocarriers. However, challenges related to their chemical stability and large-scale production require further investigation. This review underscores the need for advanced studies to fully harness the potential of these natural nanocarriers in drug-delivery systems and therapeutic interventions.

Cutting-edge insights into the mechanistic understanding of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles: Implications for intestinal homeostasis

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDELNs) are extracted from plants such as ginger, garlic, broccoli, and others, attracting attention for their therapeutic potential due to their availability and capacity for large-scale production. Their unique physicochemical properties position PDELNs as ideal candidates for targeted gut delivery, improving intestinal health by modulating mucosal immunity, gut microbiota, and intestinal barrier integrity, all essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. PDELNs regulate intestinal barrier function through their bioactive components (e.g. microRNAs, lipids, and proteins). These vesicles enhance the expression of tight junction proteins and stimulate mucin production. Additionally, they promote intestinal stem cell proliferation and increase the secretion of antimicrobial peptides. PDELNs also modulate inflammatory cytokine levels and immune cell activity, fostering a balanced immune response. Further, they support the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and their metabolites, while suppressing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding the roles of PDELNs in regulating intestinal homeostasis, focusing on their impact on mucosal immunity, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota composition, along with underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Overall, PDELNs show promise as a novel approach for treating and preventing intestinal diseases, paving the way for effective gut health interventions.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in zebrafish caudal fin regeneration and wound healing: a systematic review

This systematic review aims to examine the existing literature on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants to improve caudal fin regeneration and wound healing in zebrafish (Danio rerio), focusing on uncovering their pharmacological properties and potential use in enhancing tissue repair and regeneration. A thorough review of suitable and eligible full-text articles was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1 st January 2014 to 31 st December 2024. These articles were searched using the Medical Subject Headings terms "zebrafish," "zebrafish larvae," "zebrafish embryo," "angiogenesis," "Medicinal plants," "Natural products," "Fin regeneration," "wound healing," and "inflammation." Here, 520 articles on medicinal plants and their potential in caudal fin regeneration and wound healing in zebrafish were identified across the databases searched, of which 26 were included in this study following screening. After thoroughly reviewing the articles, some were found to have used multiple medicinal plants. Thus, 38 medicinal plants were found to have promoted effects on zebrafish caudal fin regeneration and wound healing, and 21 revealed no effects on either caudal fin regeneration and wound healing. This systematic review explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in caudal fin regeneration and wound healing in a zebrafish model. The results show a promising effect of various plant species in enhancing fin regeneration and wound healing. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms and to translate these findings into clinical applications for human wound healing and regenerative medicine.

Cost-effective isolation of Viburnum opulus-derived nanovesicles and evaluation of their cytotoxic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties on human glioblastoma cell line U87MG

Glioblastoma is the most common and highly invasive glial tumor, significantly reducing patient survival. Current therapeutic approaches have limited success rates. Plant-derived nanovesicles are a rapidly developing area, recognized for their exceptional biofunctional properties, and are emerging as a promising approach in cancer treatment. The present study focuses on the isolation of nanovesicles from Viburnum opulus fruits using a cost-effective method that includes a polymer-based exosome precipitation buffer and size exclusion chromatography, followed by their characterization. Morphological analysis via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed nanovesicles ranging from oval to elliptical shapes, with average diameters of 54.23 nm and 41.21 nm, respectively. Dynamic light scattering analysis determined the average size of 45.36 nm indicating the presence of nanovesicles, and the zeta potential was - 2.87 mV. Biochemical characterization showed total protein and phenolic concentrations of 1534 ± 97.78 µg/ml and 4.270 ± 0.66 mg gallic acid equivalents/L, respectively, with total antioxidant status values of 3.83 ± 0.37 mmol Trolox equivalents/L. Based on IC50 values, these nanovesicles were 7.5 times more toxic to U87MG human glioblastoma cells compared to healthy human dermal fibroblasts. Analyses including clonogenic cell survival, wound healing, apoptosis, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status were continued on only U87MG cells, as human dermal fibroblasts showed a low response to nanovesicle treatment. Qualitative and quantitative assessments demonstrated that Viburnum opulus-derived nanovesicles effectively inhibited cancer cell proliferation and migration. Due to their non-toxic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, these nanovesicles hold significant potential in glioblastoma management.

Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Plant-Derived Exosomes: Immunomodulation, Anticancer, Anti-Aging, Anti-Melanogenesis, Detoxification, and Drug Delivery

Most eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have the potential to secrete a group of structures/membrane-bound organelles, collectively referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs), which offer several advantages to producer/receiver cells. This review provides an overview of EVs from plant sources with emphasis on their health-promoting potential and possible use as therapeutic agents. This review highlights the essential biological effects of plant-derived extracellular vesicles, including immune modulation, anticancer activities, protection against chemical toxicity and pathogens, as well as anti-aging, anti-melanogenesis, and anti-arthritic effects, along with ongoing clinical studies. Evidence revealed that plant-derived EVs' contents exert their beneficial properties through regulating important signaling pathways by transferring miRNAs and other components. Taken all together, the data proposed that plant-derived EVs can be utilized as nutritional compounds and therapeutic agents, such as drug carriers. However, this emerging research area requires further in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical trials to determine the exact underlying mechanisms of EVs' positive health effects in treating various diseases.

Effect of 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one-containing lactic acid bacterial beverages on skin moisture: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study

Although we previously reported that 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one has antioxidant properties, its effect on the skin remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of beverages containing 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one on skin moisture. This study enrolled 220 healthy Japanese participants with dry skin who were randomly assigned to the test or placebo group (n = 110 each). Each group received either a beverage containing 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one or a placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was stratum corneum water content. Secondary outcomes were transdermal water loss, number of blemishes and wrinkles, and blood antioxidant markers such as biological antioxidant potential and diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites. Visual analog scale was used to assess skin improvement. Stratum corneum water content and visual analog scale scores differed significantly between the test and placebo groups. Water content significantly increased in the test group compared to the placebo group at 4 and 8 weeks. Subjective skin symptoms significantly improved with the test beverage intake compared with the placebo. No other significant or adverse effects were observed. In conclusion, the of 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one-containing beverage for 12 consecutive weeks significantly increases stratum corneum water content. The study findings could aid in the development of safe functional foods enriched with this compound.

Recent Advances in the Isolation Strategies of Plant-Derived Exosomes and Their Therapeutic Applications

Exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) derived from natural products are gaining attention as innovative therapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and capability to transport bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These plant-derived ELNs exhibit structural similarities with mammalian exosomes, making them suitable for drug delivery, microbiome-targeted therapies, and regenerative medicine. Recent studies highlight their potential in treating cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, ELNs have applications in cosmetics, agriculture, and the food industry. This review combines the latest advancements in research on plant-derived ELNs, focusing on isolation techniques, pharmacological effects, and therapeutic applications. Although plant-derived ELNs offer promising opportunities, several challenges must be addressed, including standardization, large-scale production, and in vivo efficacy. By summarizing cutting-edge studies and suggesting future directions, we aim to inspire further development of plant-derived ELNs as next-generation therapeutic platforms.

Engineering Strategies of Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) from edible plants, isolated by ultracentrifugation, size exclusion chromatography or other methods, were proved to contain a variety of biologically active and therapeutically specific components. Recently, investigations in the field of PELN-based biomedicine have been conducted, which positioned those nanovesicles as promising tools for prevention and treatment of several diseases, with their natural origin potentially offering superior biocompatibility and bioavailability. However, the inadequate targeting and limited therapeutic effects constrain the utility and clinical translation of PELNs. Thus, strategies aiming at bridging the gap by engineering natural PELNs have been of great interest. Those approaches include membrane hybridization, physical and chemical surface functionalization and encapsulation of therapeutic payloads. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biogenesis and composition, isolation and purification methods and characterization of PELNs, as well as their therapeutic functions. Current knowledge on the construction strategies and biomedical application of engineered PELNs were reviewed. Additionally, future directions and perspectives in this field were discussed in order to further enrich and expand the prospects for the application of engineered PELNs.