HERBAL NANOTECHNOLOGY: A MODERN APPROACH TO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE – A REVIEW

Abstract

Background:

Traditional herbal medicines have been widely utilized for disease prevention and treatment for centuries. However, their clinical effectiveness is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, instability, and inadequate tissue targeting.

Objective:

This review aims to evaluate the role of nanotechnology in enhancing the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines and to summarize recent advancements in nano-herbal drug delivery systems.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using published articles, review papers, and scientific databases focusing on herbal nanotechnology, nanocarrier systems, phytopharmaceuticals, and nano-enabled drug delivery approaches.

Results:

Various nanocarrier systems, including polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, nanocrystals, nanospheres, and nanocapsules, have demonstrated significant improvements in the solubility, stability, bioavailability, controlled release, and targeted delivery of herbal compounds. These systems have shown promising applications in cancer therapy, inflammatory diseases, infectious disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and personalized medicine.

Conclusion:

Herbal nanotechnology bridges traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical science by overcoming the limitations of conventional herbal formulations. Continued advancements in formulation strategies, quality control, and regulatory frameworks are expected to facilitate the clinical translation and commercialization of nano-herbal therapeutics.