Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Delivery of Natural Bioactive Compounds

Natural products contain bioactive compounds that are produced naturally via synthetic or semisynthetic processes. These bioactive compounds play significant biological roles, especially for growth as well as in defense mechanisms against pathogens. Bioactive compounds in natural products have been extensively studied in recent decades for their pharmacological activities, such as anti-cancer, wound healing, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties. However, their pharmaceutical significance has always been hindered by their low bioavailability and instability with variations in pH, temperature, and exposure to light. Nanotechnology paves the way for the development of drug delivery systems by enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Nanostructured lipid carriers, a lipid-based drug delivery system, are recently being studied to improve the biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioavailability, solubility, permeability, and shelf life of bioactive compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. The ideal component and preparation method for bioactive compounds in nanostructured lipid carrier development is necessary for their physicochemical properties and therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, this review seeks to highlight recent developments, preparation, and application of nanostructured lipid carriers as carriers for natural bioactive compounds in improving their therapeutic potential in drug delivery systems.