Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Anti-Inflammatory Phytocompounds

Abstract

Phytocompounds have been used in medicine for decades owing to their potential in anti-inflammatory applications. However, major difficulties in achieving sustained delivery of phyto-based drugs are related to their low solubility and cell penetration, and high instability. To overcome these disadvantages, nanosized delivery technologies are currently in use for sustained and enhanced delivery of phyto-derived bioactive compounds in the pharmaceutical sector. This review focuses on the recent advances in nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery of bioactive molecules of plant origin in the field of anti-inflammatory research. In particular, special attention is paid to the relationship between structure and properties of the nanocarrier and phytodrug release behavior.

Keywords: cannabinoids; carbohydrates; essential oils; inflammation; nanocapsules; nanoparticles; nanosized delivery systems; phytochemicals; polyphenols; terpenoids.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the main characteristics of: acute (A) and chronic (B) inflammation.

Figure 2

Examples of organic material-based nanosized drug delivery systems.

Figure 3

Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of different classes of anti-inflammatory natural compounds.

Figure 4

Topical application of nanoencapsulated curcumin slowed the progression of osteoarthritis induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in mice. Mice with DMM were treated daily with topical application of curcumin nanoparticles or vehicle. Mice treated topically with curcumin nanoparticles (Nano-C) exhibited improved Safranin O staining (A); lower Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores (B); and reduced synovitis (C); and subchondral bone plate thickness (D) at eight weeks after surgery compared to that in vehicle control (Veh) (* p < 0.05, t-test, n = 5/group). Reproduced from [96] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4891896).

Figure 5

Schematic diagram of the phytocompounds effects on the main cellular pathways involved in inflammation. After cell internalization of a nanovector, encapsulated phytocompounds are released into cytoplasm. Their anti-inflammatory action is elicited via inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production by nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); reduction of arachidonic acid metabolites and prostaglandins through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) and Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) pathways; and regulation of nuclear factor NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.