Application of nanotechnology to herbal antioxidants as improved phytomedicine: An expanding horizon

Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep:153:113413. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113413. Epub 2022 Aug 6.

Abstract

Phytotherapy, based on medicinal plants, have excellent potential in managing several diseases. A vital part of the healthcare system is herbal medicines, consisting of therapeutic agents with high safety profile and no or least adverse effects. Herbs or medicinal plants show anticancer, antioxidant, and gene-protective activity, which is useful for pharmaceutical industries. In vitro, the extract of antioxidant compounds prevents the growth of colon and liver cancer cells, followed by a dose-dependent method. The screening of extracts is done by using in vitro models. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals lead to diseases based on age which promotes oxidative stress. Different types of ROSs available have central roles in the normal physiology and functioning of processes. Herbal or traditional plant medicines have rich antioxidant activity. Despite the limited literature on the health effect of herbal extract or spices. There are many studies examining the encouraging health effects of single phytochemicals instigating from the medicinal plant. This review provides a detailed overview on herbal antioxidants and how application of nanotechnology can improve its biological activity in managing several major diseases, and having no reported side effects.

Keywords: Cancer; Disease; Herbal antioxidants; Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants* / chemistry
  • Antioxidants* / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants* / therapeutic use
  • Nanotechnology
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plants, Medicinal* / chemistry

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts