Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals in cancer therapy: molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and emerging trends

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #humans #antineoplastic-agents-phytogenic #biological-availability #drug-carriers

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals in cancer therapy: molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and emerging trends

Mostafa et al., 2025 | Drug Dev Ind Pharm | Systematic Review

Citation

Mostafa Mahmoud A H, Khojah Hani M J. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals in cancer therapy: molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and emerging trends. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2025-Sep;51(9):1105-1121. doi:10.1080/03639045.2025.2483425

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This review examines recent advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals, focusing on their role in overcoming multidrug resistance, improving therapeutic efficacy, and facilitating clinical translation. SIGNIFICANCE: This review highlights recent advances in nanoparticle-enabled phytochemical delivery to enhance bioavailability, improve therapeutic outcomes, and enable targeted applications. By comparing various nanoparticle systems, formulation methods, and efficacy data, it identifies gaps in current research and guides the development of more effective, next-generation phytochemical-loaded nanocarriers. METHODS: A systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles focusing on nanoparticle-based phytochemical delivery in cancer therapy were included. KEY FINDINGS: Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate demonstrate enhanced anti-cancer efficacy when encapsulated in nanoparticles, leading to improved bioavailability, increased tumor cell targeting, and reduced toxicity. Clinical trials indicate tumor regression and fewer adverse effects. Emerging approaches-such as nanogels, hybrid nanoparticles, and combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors-further refine treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Nanoparticle-based delivery systems significantly improve the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, making them promising candidates for safer, more effective cancer treatments. However, challenges related to regulatory guidelines, scalability, and long-term safety must be addressed to fully realize their clinical potential.

Key Findings

Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate demonstrate enhanced anti-cancer efficacy when encapsulated in nanoparticles, leading to improved bioavailability, increased tumor cell targeting, and reduced toxicity. Clinical trials indicate tumor regression and fewer adverse effects. Emerging approaches-such as nanogels, hybrid nanoparticles, and combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors-further refine treatment efficacy.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Biological Availability
  • Drug Carriers
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
  • Nanoparticles
  • Neoplasms

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09