Nanomaterials for the Delivery of Herbal Bioactive Compounds

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary domain that involves overlapping areas such as nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology. Herbal medicine is a significant component of traditional medicine and has been a part of treating many diseases. Asian people have been using these herbal medicines for decades. Still, herbal extracts' therapeutic efficacy and pharmaceutical application are associated with many factors such as poor bioavailability, low solubility, permeability, and lack of targeting potential. In the present work, we have reviewed thriving strategies for the targeted drug delivery of phytoconstituents and critically explained the most recent progressions on emerging novel nano-phytomedicine-based materials as herbal medicines carriers. Nanotechnology-based clinical trial studies targeting herbal bioactive compounds were discussed. Advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems intended to enhance cellular uptake, improved pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of herbal drugs have facilitated the powerful targeting of specific agents against diseases. This review provides insight into the current progress and future opportunities for nanomedicines as potential curative targets for the delivery of herbal bioactive compounds. This information could be used as a platform for the future expansion of multi-functional nano constructs for the advanced detection of diseases and functional drug delivery of phytoconstituents.