Resveratrol-Based Nanoformulations as an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer

Resveratrol-loaded invasome gel: A promising nanoformulation for treatment of skin cancer

Skin cancer is a widespread type of cancer representing 30% of all cancer types worldwide. Resveratrol (RSV) is an anticancer drug used for skin cancer treatment. Several limitations of RSV such as poor aqueous solubility, first-pass metabolism, and instability limit their topical use. The study aimed to develop and optimize RSV-loaded invasomes for topical administration as well as assess their efficacy in vivo. The optimized RSV-loaded invasomes showed small particle size (208.7 ± 74 nm), PDI (0.3 ± 0.03), high % entrapment efficiency (77.7 ± 6%), and negative zeta potential (-70.4 ± 10.9 mV). They showed an initial burst effect followed by controlled drug release for 24 h. RSV-loaded invasomal gel revealed the highest skin deposition percentage (65%) in ex vivo rat skin, the highest potency (low IC50 of 6.34 μg/mL), and the highest cellular uptake when tested on squamous cancerous cells (SCCs) when compared to other formulations. The antitumor effect of topical RSV-loaded invasomes was also evaluated in vivo in Ehrlich-induced mice models. The results revealed that RSV-loaded invasomal gel exhibited the smallest tumor volume with no signs of organ toxicity indicating its safety in skin cancer treatment. Upregulation of BAX and Caspase-3 gene levels and downregulation of NF-kB and BCL2 protein levels were demonstrated using RT-PCR and ELISA tests, respectively. Interestingly, the present study is the first to develop RSV-loaded invasomal gel for topical skin cancer treatment. According to our results, invasomes are considered promising lipid-based nanosystems for topical RSV delivery having high skin penetration ability and anticancer effect in the treatment of skin carcinoma.

Nrf2/Keap1/ARE regulation by plant secondary metabolites: a new horizon in brain tumor management

Brain cancer is regarded as one of the most life-threatening forms of cancer worldwide. Oxidative stress acts to derange normal brain homeostasis, thus is involved in carcinogenesis in brain. The Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway is an important signaling cascade responsible for the maintenance of redox homeostasis, and regulation of anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities by multiple downstream pathways. Interestingly, Nrf2 plays a somewhat, contradictory role in cancers, including brain cancer. Nrf2 has traditionally been regarded as a tumor suppressor since its cytoprotective functions are considered to be the principle cellular defense mechanism against exogenous and endogenous insults, such as xenobiotics and oxidative stress. However, hyperactivation of the Nrf2 pathway supports the survival of normal as well as malignant cells, protecting them against oxidative stress, and therapeutic agents. Plants possess a pool of secondary metabolites with potential chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive actions. Modulation of Nrf2/ARE and downstream activities in a Keap1-dependant manner, with the aid of plant-derived secondary metabolites exhibits promise in the management of brain tumors. Current article highlights the effects of Nrf2/Keap1/ARE cascade on brain tumors, and the potential role of secondary metabolites regarding the management of the same.

Resveratrol: Challenges and prospects in extraction and hybridization with nanoparticles, polymers, and bio-ceramics

Resveratrol (RSV), a bioactive natural phenolic compound found in plants, fruits, and vegetables, has garnered significant attention in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries due to its remarkable biological and pharmacological activities. Despite its potential in treating various diseases, its poor pharmacokinetic properties, such as low solubility, stability, bioavailability, and susceptibility to rapid oxidation, limit its biomedical applications. Recent advancements focus on incorporating resveratrol into innovative materials like nanoparticles, polymers, and bio-ceramics to enhance its properties and bioavailability. In this review, an exhaustive literature search was conducted from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to explore these advancements, to compares conventional and innovative extraction methods, and to highlights resveratrol's therapeutic potential, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancerogenic, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and cardio-protective properties. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of hybrid materials combining resveratrol with nanoparticles, polymers, and bio-ceramics for therapeutic applications. Rigorous studies are still needed to confirm their clinical efficacy.

Leveraging nanostructured lipid carriers to enhance targeted delivery and efficacy in breast cancer therapy: a comprehensive review

Cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, continues to be a major global health concern. Breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Conventional treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have made significant strides in improving patient outcomes. However, these approaches often face challenges such as limited efficacy, systemic toxicity, and multidrug resistance. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for revolutionizing cancer therapy, offering targeted drug delivery, enhanced efficacy, and reduced side effects. Among the various nanocarrier systems, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have gained considerable attention for their unique advantages. Comprising a blend of solid and liquid lipids, NLCs offer improved drug loading capacity, enhanced stability, sustained release, and biocompatibility. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the role of NLCs in breast cancer management, covering their formulation, methods of preparation, advantages, and disadvantages. Additionally, several studies are presented to illustrate the efficacy of NLCs in delivering anticancer drugs to breast tumors. These studies demonstrate the ability of NLCs to enhance drug cytotoxicity, improve tumor suppression, and minimize systemic toxicity. This manuscript aims to contribute to the existing literature by consolidating current knowledge and providing insights into the future directions of NLC-based therapeutics in breast cancer management.

Genistein-Chitosan Derivative Nanoparticles for Targeting and Enhancing the Anti-Breast Cancer Effect of Tamoxifen In Vitro

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a classical anti-estrogenic drug that antagonizes estrogen by competitively binding to estrogen receptor α (ERα). However, drug resistance to TAM remains a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment. In this study, we aimed to design an actively targeted drug delivery system to enhance the proliferation inhibitory effects of TAM on ER positive breast cancer cells. Herein, chitosan (CS) was modified with genistein (GEN) to obtain the actively targeted GEN-CS. The TAM-loaded nanoparticles (TAM-GEN-CS-NPs) were constructed using an ionic-crosslinking method, with GEN-CS as the carrier material and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as the crosslinking agent. As a result, TAM-GEN-CS-NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with an average size of 299.8 nm. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading content were 85.77% and 14.13 µg/mg, respectively. Compared with free TAM, TAM-GEN-CS-NPs displayed obvious slow-release performance. In vitro cellular assays demonstrated that TAM-GEN-CS-NPs had active targeting and proliferation inhibitory effects on MCF-7 cells. The IC50 of TAM and TAM-GEN-CS-NPs were 10.25 µg/mL and 7.22 µg/mL, respectively. More importantly, the combination index (CI) value of TAM and GEN was less than 1, indicating synergistic effects. Therefore, TAM-GEN-CS-NPs hold the potential to enhance TAM therapy for breast cancer through active targeting and synergistic treatment strategies.

Advances in the role of resveratrol and its mechanism of action in common gynecological tumors

The incidence of common gynecological malignancies remains high, with current treatments facing multiple limitations and adverse effects. Thus, continuing the search for safe and effective oncologic treatment strategies continues. Resveratrol (RES), a natural non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in various plants and fruits, such as grapes, Reynoutria japonica Houtt., peanuts, and berries. RES possesses diverse biological properties, including neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and osteoporosis inhibition effects. Notably, RES is broadly applicable in antitumor therapy, particularly for treating gynecological tumors (cervical, endometrial, and ovarian carcinomas). RES exerts antitumor effects by promoting tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, regulating tumor cell autophagy, and enhancing the efficacy of antitumor drugs while minimizing their toxic side effects. However, comprehensive reviews on the role of RES in combating gynecological tumors and its mechanisms of action are lacking. This review aims to fill this gap by examining the RES antitumor mechanisms of action in gynecological tumors, providing valuable insights for clinical treatment.

Therapeutic Applications of Nanoformulated Resveratrol and Quercetin Phytochemicals in Colorectal Cancer-An Updated Review

Natural compounds such as polyphenols play several positive roles in maintaining the oxidative and inflammatory capacity of cells, which leads to their potential use as anticancer therapeutics. There is promising evidence for the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of many polyphenols, including resveratrol and quercetin, specifically in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). There is a clear association between resveratrol and quercetin in interfering with the mechanistic pathways involved in CRC, such as Wnt, P13K/AKT, caspase-3, MAPK, NF-κB, etc. These molecular pathways establish the role of resveratrol and quercetin in controlling cancer cell growth, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting metastasis. The major bottleneck in the progression of the use of resveratrol and quercetin as anticancer therapeutics is their reduced bioavailability in vivo because of their rapid metabolism in humans. Recent advancements in various nanotechnological formulations are promising for overcoming these bioavailability issues. Various nanoformulations of resveratrol and quercetin have shown an optimistic impact on reducing the solubility and improving the stability of resveratrol and quercetin in vivo. A combinatorial approach using nanoformulations of resveratrol with quercetin could potentially increase the impact of resveratrol in controlling CRC cell proliferation. This review discusses the mechanism of resveratrol and quercetin, the two bioactive polyphenolics, in colon cancer, with an emphasis on various types of nanoformulations of the two molecules targeting colon cancer. It also explores the synergistic effect of combining resveratrol and quercetin in various nanoformulations, targeting colon cancer. This research delves into the enhanced pharmacokinetics and potential chemotherapeutic benefits of these bioactive polyphenolics when used together in innovative ways.

Weaponizing chitosan and its derivatives in the battle against lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC) is a crisis of catastrophic proportions. It is a global problem and urgently requires a solution. The classic chemo drugs are lagging behind as they lack selectivity, where their side effects are spilled all over the body, and these adverse effects would be terribly tragic for LC patients. Therefore, they could make a bad situation worse, inflict damage on normal cells, and inflict pain on patients. Since our confidence in classic drugs is eroding, chitosan can offer a major leap forward in LC therapy. It can provide the backbone and the vehicle that enable chemo drugs to penetrate the hard shell of LC. It could be functionalized in a variety of ways to deliver a deadly payload of toxins to kill the bad guys. It is implemented in formulation of polymeric NPs, lipidic NPs, nanocomposites, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and phototherapeutic agents. This review is a pretty clear proof of chitosan's utility as a weapon in battling LC. Chitosan-based formulations could work effectively to kill LC cells. If a researcher is looking for a vehicle for medication for LC therapy, chitosan can be an appropriate choice.

An exosomal approach for oral delivery of resveratrol: Implications for inflammatory bowel disease treatment in rat model

AIMS

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic substance found in numerous natural products. Despite the wide range of therapeutic activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the poor pharmacokinetic characteristics decrease the RSV bioavailability following oral administration. Milk-derived exosomes (MEXOs), as a class of natural nanocarriers, are promising candidates for oral drug delivery approaches.

MAIN METHODS

The current study developed RSV-loaded MEXOs to enhance the RSV oral bioavailability, introducing a suitable exosomal formulation for suppressing colon inflammation in acetic acid-induced rat models.

KEY FINDINGS

The results showed a remarkable encapsulation efficiency of 83.33 %. The in vitro release profile demonstrated a good retaining capability in acidic conditions (pH 1.2) and a considerable release in a simulated duodenal environment (pH 6.8). According to the permeability study, encapsulation of RSV improved its transportation across the Caco-2 monolayer. Moreover, the in vivo and histological analysis results proved that the RSV-MEXOs formulation successfully alleviates the inflammation in colitis rat models and effectively relieves the colitis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings suggest that MEXOs should be of great attention as promising oral drug delivery vehicles for further clinical evaluations.

Enhancing the Bioavailability of Resveratrol: Combine It, Derivatize It, or Encapsulate It?

Overcoming the limited bioavailability and extensive metabolism of effective in vitro drugs remains a challenge that limits the translation of promising drugs into clinical trials. Resveratrol, despite its well-reported therapeutic benefits, is not metabolically stable and thus has not been utilized as an effective clinical drug. This is because it needs to be consumed in large amounts to overcome the burdens of bioavailability and conversion into less effective metabolites. Herein, we summarize the more relevant approaches to modify resveratrol, aiming to increase its biological and therapeutic efficacy. We discuss combination therapies, derivatization, and the use of resveratrol nanoparticles. Interestingly, the combination of resveratrol with established chemotherapeutic drugs has shown promising therapeutic effects on colon cancer (with oxaliplatin), liver cancer (with cisplatin, 5-FU), and gastric cancer (with doxorubicin). On the other hand, derivatizing resveratrol, including hydroxylation, amination, amidation, imidation, methoxylation, prenylation, halogenation, glycosylation, and oligomerization, differentially modifies its bioavailability and could be used for preferential therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the encapsulation of resveratrol allows its trapping within different forms of shells for targeted therapy. Depending on the nanoparticle used, it can enhance its solubility and absorption, increasing its bioavailability and efficacy. These include polymers, metals, solid lipids, and other nanoparticles that have shown promising preclinical results, adding more "hype" to the research on resveratrol. This review provides a platform to compare the different approaches to allow directed research into better treatment options with resveratrol.

Unveiling the potential effects of resveratrol in lung cancer treatment: Mechanisms and nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies

Lung cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer and remains a significant factor in cancer-related mortality across the world. It poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and society as a whole due to its high incidence, mortality rates, and late-stage diagnosis. Resveratrol (RV), a natural compound found in various plants, has shown potential as a nanomedicine for lung cancer treatment. RV has varied effects on cancer cells, including promoting apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bak) and decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). It also hinders cell proliferation by influencing important signaling pathways (MAPK, mTOR, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin) that govern cancer progression. In addition, RV acts as a potent antioxidant, diminishing oxidative stress and safeguarding cells against DNA damage. However, using RV alone in cancer treatment has drawbacks, such as low bioavailability, lack of targeting ability, and susceptibility to degradation. In contrast, nanoparticle-based delivery systems address these limitations and hold promise for improving treatment outcomes in lung cancer; nanoparticle formulations of RV offer advantages such as improved drug delivery, increased stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to lung cancer cells. This article will provide an overview of lung cancer, explore the potential of RV as a therapeutic agent, discuss the benefits and challenges of nanoparticle-based drug delivery, and highlight the promise of RV nanoparticles for cancer treatment, including lung cancer. By optimizing these systems for clinical application, future studies aim to enhance overall treatment outcomes and improve the prognosis for lung cancer patients.

Resveratrol/Selenium Nanocomposite with Antioxidative and Antibacterial Properties

In this work, we synthesized a new composite material comprised of previously formulated resveratrol nanobelt-like particles (ResNPs) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), namely ResSeNPs. Characterization was provided by FESEM and optical microscopy, as well as by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, the last showing hydrogen bonds between ResNPs and SeNPs. DPPH, TBA, and FRAP assays showed excellent antioxidative abilities with ResNPs and SeNPs contributing mainly to lipid peroxidation inhibition and reducing/scavenging activity, respectively. The antibacterial effect against common medicinal implant colonizers pointed to notably higher activity against Staphylococcus isolates (minimal inhibitory concentrations 0.75-1.5%) compared to tested gram-negative species (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Antibiofilm activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa determined in a crystal violet assay was promising (up to 69%), but monitoring of selected biofilm-related gene expression (pelA and algD) indicated the necessity of the involvement of a larger number of genes in the analysis in order to further establish the underlying mechanism. Although biocompatibility screening showed some cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in MTT and alkaline comet assays, respectively, it is important to note that active antioxidative and antibacterial/antibiofilm concentrations were non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic in normal MRC-5 cells. These results encourage further composite improvements and investigation in order to adapt it for specific biomedical purposes.

Enemies or Allies? Hormetic and Apparent Non-Dose-Dependent Effects of Natural Bioactive Antioxidants in the Treatment of Inflammation

This review aims to analyze the emerging number of studies on biological media that describe the unexpected effects of different natural bioactive antioxidants. Hormetic effects, with a biphasic response depending on the dose, or activities that are apparently non-dose-dependent, have been described for compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, ferulic acid or linoleic acid, among others. The analysis of the reported studies confirms the incidence of these types of effects, which should be taken into account by researchers, discarding initial interpretations of imprecise methodologies or measurements. The incidence of these types of effects should enhance research into the different mechanisms of action, particularly those studied in the field of basic research, that will help us understand the causes of these unusual behaviors, depending on the dose, such as the inactivation of the signaling pathways of the immune defense system. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in biological media should be addressed in ways that go beyond a mere statistical approach. In this work, some of the research pathways that may explain the understanding of these activities are revised, paying special attention to the ability of the selected bioactive compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, ferulic acid and linoleic acid) to form metal complexes and the activity of these complexes in biological media.

Nanotechnology-mediated delivery of resveratrol as promising strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): progress and promises

INTRODUCTION

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Resveratrol exhibits potential as a therapeutic intervention against TNBC by regulating various pathways such as the PI3K/AKT, RAS/RAF/ERK, PKCδ, and AMPK, leading to apoptosis through ROS-mediated CHOP activationand the expression of DR4 and DR5. However, the clinical efficacy of resveratrol is limited due to its poor biopharmaceutical characteristics and low bioavailability at the tumor site. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to improving the biopharmaceutical characteristics of resveratrol to achieve clinical efficacy in different cancers. The small dimension (<200 nm) of nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery system is helpful to improve the bioavailability, internalization into the TNBC cell, ligand-specific targeted delivery of loaded resveratrol to tumor site including reversal of MDR (multi-drug resistance) condition.

AREAS COVERED

This manuscript provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure-activity relationship (SAR), underlying anticancer mechanism, evidence of anticancer activity in in-vitro/in-vivo investigations, and the significance of nanotechnology-mediated delivery of resveratrol in TNBC.

EXPERT OPINION

Advanced nano-formulations of resveratrol such as oxidized mesoporous carbon nanoparticles, macrophage-derived vesicular system, functionalized gold nanoparticles, etc. have increased the accumulation of loaded therapeutics at the tumor-site, and avoid off-target drug release. In conclusion, nano-resveratrol as a strategy may provide improved tumor-specific image-guided treatment options for TNBC utilizing theranostic approach.

Phytochemicals Target Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Cancer

Cancer metabolic reprogramming is a complex process that provides malignant cells with selective advantages to grow and propagate in the hostile environment created by the immune surveillance of the human organism. This process underpins cancer proliferation, invasion, antioxidant defense, and resistance to anticancer immunity and therapeutics. Perhaps not surprisingly, metabolic rewiring is considered to be one of the "Hallmarks of cancer". Notably, this process often comprises various complementary and overlapping pathways. Today, it is well known that highly selective inhibition of only one of the pathways in a tumor cell often leads to a limited response and, subsequently, to the emergence of resistance. Therefore, to increase the overall effectiveness of antitumor drugs, it is advisable to use multitarget agents that can simultaneously suppress several key processes in the tumor cell. This review is focused on a group of plant-derived natural compounds that simultaneously target different pathways of cancer-associated metabolism, including aerobic glycolysis, respiration, glutaminolysis, one-carbon metabolism, de novo lipogenesis, and β-oxidation of fatty acids. We discuss only those compounds that display inhibitory activity against several metabolic pathways as well as a number of important signaling pathways in cancer. Information about their pharmacokinetics in animals and humans is also presented. Taken together, a number of known plant-derived compounds may target multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in various malignancies, something that bears great potential for the further improvement of antineoplastic therapy.

Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol as chemo and radiosensitizer in cancer

One of the primary diseases that cause death worldwide is cancer. Cancer cells can be intrinsically resistant or acquire resistance to therapies and drugs used for cancer treatment through multiple mechanisms of action that favor cell survival and proliferation, becoming one of the leading causes of treatment failure against cancer. A promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and radioresistance is the co-administration of anticancer agents and natural compounds with anticancer properties, such as the polyphenolic compound resveratrol (RSV). RSV has been reported to be able to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy, promoting cancer cell death. This review describes the reported molecular mechanisms by which RSV sensitizes tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

Genistein: a promising modulator of apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer

Genistein, a commonly occurring isoflavone, has recently gained popularity owing to its ever-expanding spectrum of pharmacological benefits. In addition to health benefits such as improved bone health and reduced postmenopausal complications owing to its phytoestrogen properties, it has been widely evaluated for its anti-cancer potential. Several studies have established the potential for its usage in the management of breast, lung, and prostate cancers, and its usage has significantly evolved from early applications in traditional systems of medicine. This review offers an insight into its current status of usage, the chemistry, and pharmacokinetics of the molecule, an exploration of its apoptotic mechanisms in cancer management, and opportunities for synergism to improve therapeutic outcomes. In addition to this, the authors have presented an overview of recent clinical trials, to offer an understanding of contemporary studies and explore prospects for a greater number of focused trials, moving forward. Advancements in the application of nanotechnology as a strategy to improve safety and efficacy have also been highlighted, with a brief discussion of results from safety and toxicology studies.

Progress and Perspectives in Colon Cancer Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Worldwide, colon cancer is the third most frequent malignancy and the second most common cause of death. Although it can strike anybody at any age, colon cancer mostly affects the elderly. Small, non-cancerous cell clusters inside the colon, commonly known as polyps, are typically where colon cancer growth starts. But over time, if left untreated, these benign polyps may develop into malignant tissues and develop into colon cancer. For the diagnosis of colon cancer, with routine inspection of the colon region for polyps, several techniques, including colonoscopy and cancer scanning, are used. In the case identifying the polyps in the colon area, efforts are being taken to surgically remove the polyps as quickly as possible before they become malignant. If the polyps become malignant, then colon cancer treatment strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, are applied to the patients. Despite the recent improvements in diagnosis and prognosis, the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a challenging task. The objective of this review was to discuss how CRC is initiated, and its various developmental stages, pathophysiology, and risk factors, and also to explore the current state of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as recent advancements in the field, such as new screening methods and targeted therapies. We examined the limitations of current methods and discussed the ongoing need for research and development in this area. While this topic may be serious and complex, we hope to engage and inform our audience on this important issue.

Innovative Delivery and Release Systems for Antioxidants and Other Active Substances in the Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is one of the major diseases leading to death worldwide, and the fight against the disease is still challenging. Cancer diseases are usually associated with increased oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as a result of metabolic alterations or signaling aberrations. While numerous antioxidants exhibit potential therapeutic properties, their clinical efficiency against cancer is limited and even unproven. Conventional anticancer antioxidants and drugs have, among others, the great disadvantage of low bioavailability, poor targeting efficiency, and serious side effects, constraining their use in the fight against diseases. Here, we review the rationale for and recent advances in potential delivery systems that could eventually be employed in clinical research on antioxidant therapy in cancer. We also review some of the various strategies aimed at enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble active drugs, including engineered delivery systems such as lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic formulations. The use of cyclodextrins, micro- and nanoemulsions, and thermosensitive smart liposomes as useful systems for the delivery and release of poorly aqueous-soluble drugs, improving their bioactivity and stability, is also addressed. We also provide some details on their formulation processes and their use in a variety of medical applications. Finally, we briefly cover a case study specifically focused on the use of delivery systems to minimize oral cancer and associated dental problems.

Liposome encapsulated anticancer drugs on autophagy in cancer cells - current and future perspective

Autophagy act as a double-edged sword in cancer with both tumor promoting and inhibiting roles. Under normal conditions of autophagy, the damaged cell organelles and other debris degrade inside the lysosome to provide energy and macromolecular precursors. However, enhanced autophagy can lead to apoptosis and programmed cell death highlighting its significance in cancer therapy. Liposome-based drug delivery systems for treating cancer patients have significant advantages over their non-formulated or free drug counterparts which could be effectively used to manipulate autophagy pathway in cancer patients. In the current review, drug uptake by the cells and its role in autophagy-mediated cancer cell death are discussed. Besides, the challenges and translational difficulties associated with the use of liposome-based chemotherapeutic drugs in clinical trials and in biomedical applications are also discussed.

Resveratrol, Epigallocatechin Gallate and Curcumin for Cancer Therapy: Challenges from Their Pro-Apoptotic Properties

Plant-derived bioactive compounds are gaining wide attention for their multiple health-promoting activities and in particular for their anti-cancer properties. Several studies have highlighted how they can prevent cancer initiation and progression, improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and, in some cases, limit some of the side effects of chemotherapy agents. In this paper, we provide an update of the literature on the anti-cancer effects of three extensively studied plant-derived compounds, namely resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and curcumin, with a special focus on the anti-cancer molecular mechanisms inducing apoptosis in the major types of cancers globally.

The Efficacy of Gum Arabic in Managing Diseases: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Clinical Trials

Gum arabic (GA) is a natural product commonly used as a household remedy for treating various diseases in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Despite its claimed benefits, there has been a lack of research on the findings of current clinical trials (CTs) that investigated its efficacy in the treatment of various medical diseases. The aim of this systematic review was to study CTs which focused on GA and its possible use in the management of various medical diseases. A search of the extant literature was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to retrieve CTs focusing on evidence-based clinical indications. The databases were searched using the keywords ("Gum Arabic" OR "Acacia senegal" OR "Acacia seyal" OR "Gum Acacia" OR "Acacia Arabica") AND ("Clinical Trial" OR "Randomized Controlled Trial" OR "Randomized Clinical Trial"). While performing the systematic review, data were obtained on the following parameters: title, authors, date of publication, study design, study aim, sample size, type of intervention used, targeted medical diseases, and main findings. Twenty-nine papers were included in this systematic review. The results showed that ingestion of GA altered lipid profiles, renal profiles, plaque, gingival scores, biochemical parameters, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and adiposity. GA exhibited anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and antibacterial properties. GA has been successfully used to treat sickle cell anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders, periodontitis, gastrointestinal conditions, and kidney diseases. Herein, we discuss GA with respect to the underlying mechanisms involved in each medical disease, thereby justifying GA's future role as a therapeutic agent.

Current Insight into Novel Delivery Approaches of Resveratrol for Improving Therapeutic Efficacy and Bioavailability with its Clinical Updates

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin, and belongs to the stilbene family. RSV has several therapeutic activities such as cardioprotective, anticancer, and antioxidant. Apart from its therapeutic benefits, its pharmacological uses are limited due to low solubility, poor bioavailability, and short biological halflife. A researcher continuously focuses on overcoming the limitations of RSV through nanotechnology platforms to get the optimum health benefits. In this context, nanocarriers are pioneering to overcome these drawbacks. Nanocarriers possess high drug loading capacity, thermal stability, low production cost, longer shelflife, etc. Fortunately, scientists were proficient in delivering resveratrol-based nanocarriers in the present scenario. Nanocarriers can deliver drugs to the target sites without compromising the bioavailability. Thus, this review highlights how the latest nanocarrier systems overcome the shortcomings of RSV, which will be good for improving therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability. Moreover, recent updates on resveratrol-based novel formulations and their clinical trials have been addressed to manage several health-related problems.

Resveratrol Analogues as Dual Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase B and Carbonic Anhydrase VII: A New Multi-Target Combination for Neurodegenerative Diseases?

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are described as multifactorial and progressive syndromes with compromised cognitive and behavioral functions. The multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) strategy is a promising paradigm in drug discovery, potentially leading to new opportunities to manage such complex diseases. Here, we studied the dual ability of a set of resveratrol (RSV) analogs to inhibit two important targets involved in neurodegeneration. The stilbenols 1−9 were tested as inhibitors of the human monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and carbonic anhydrases (CAs). The studied compounds displayed moderate to excellent in vitro enzyme inhibitory activity against both enzymes at micromolar/nanomolar concentrations. Among them, the best compound 4 displayed potent and selective inhibition against the MAO-B isoform (IC50 MAO-A 0.43 µM vs. IC50 MAO-B 0.01 µM) with respect to the parent compound resveratrol (IC50 MAO-A 13.5 µM vs. IC50 MAO-B > 100 µM). It also demonstrated a selective inhibition activity against hCA VII (KI 0.7 µM vs. KI 4.3 µM for RSV). To evaluate the plausible binding mode of 1−9 within the two enzymes, molecular docking and dynamics studies were performed, revealing specific and significant interactions in the active sites of both targets. The new compounds are of pharmacological interest in view of their considerably reduced toxicity previously observed, their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles, and their dual inhibitory ability. Compound 4 is noteworthy as a promising lead in the development of MAO and CA inhibitors with therapeutic potential in neuroprotection.

Antioxidants in brain tumors: current therapeutic significance and future prospects

Brain cancer is regarded among the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. The distinct tumor microenvironment and inherent characteristics of brain tumor cells virtually render them resistant to the majority of conventional and advanced therapies. Oxidative stress (OS) is a key disruptor of normal brain homeostasis and is involved in carcinogenesis of different forms of brain cancers. Thus, antioxidants may inhibit tumorigenesis by preventing OS induced by various oncogenic factors. Antioxidants are hypothesized to inhibit cancer initiation by endorsing DNA repair and suppressing cancer progression by creating an energy crisis for preneoplastic cells, resulting in antiproliferative effects. These effects are referred to as chemopreventive effects mediated by an antioxidant mechanism. In addition, antioxidants minimize chemotherapy-induced nonspecific organ toxicity and prolong survival. Antioxidants also support the prooxidant chemistry that demonstrate chemotherapeutic potential, particularly at high or pharmacological doses and trigger OS by promoting free radical production, which is essential for activating cell death pathways. A growing body of evidence also revealed the roles of exogenous antioxidants as adjuvants and their ability to reverse chemoresistance. In this review, we explain the influences of different exogenous and endogenous antioxidants on brain cancers with reference to their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic roles. The role of antioxidants on metabolic reprogramming and their influence on downstream signaling events induced by tumor suppressor gene mutations are critically discussed. Finally, the review hypothesized that both pro- and antioxidant roles are involved in the anticancer mechanisms of the antioxidant molecules by killing neoplastic cells and inhibiting tumor recurrence followed by conventional cancer treatments. The requirements of pro- and antioxidant effects of exogenous antioxidants in brain tumor treatment under different conditions are critically discussed along with the reasons behind the conflicting outcomes in different reports. Finally, we also mention the influencing factors that regulate the pharmacology of the exogenous antioxidants in brain cancer treatment. In conclusion, to achieve consistent clinical outcomes with antioxidant treatments in brain cancers, rigorous mechanistic studies are required with respect to the types, forms, and stages of brain tumors. The concomitant treatment regimens also need adequate consideration.

Polyphenols: Chemoprevention and therapeutic potentials in hematological malignancies

Polyphenols are one of the largest plant-derived natural product and they play an important role in plants' defense as well as in human health and disease. A number of them are pleiotropic molecules and have been shown to regulate signaling pathways, immune response and cell growth and proliferation which all play a role in cancer development. Hematological malignancies on the other hand, are cancers of the blood. While current therapies are efficacious, they are usually expensive and with unwanted side effects. Thus, the search for newer less toxic agents. Polyphenols have been reported to possess antineoplastic properties which include cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis via multiple mechanisms. They also have immunomodulatory activities where they enhance T cell activation and suppress regulatory T cells. They carry out these actions through such pathways as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and the kynurenine. They can also reverse cancer resistance to chemotherapy agents. In this review, i look at some of the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenols and their potential roles as therapeutic agents in hematological malignancies. Here i discuss their anti-proliferative and anti-neoplastic activities especially their abilities modulate signaling pathways as well as immune response in hematological malignancies. I also looked at clinical studies done mainly in the last 10-15 years on various polyphenol combination and how they enhance synergism. I recommend that further preclinical and clinical studies be carried out to ensure safety and efficacy before polyphenol therapies be officially moved to the clinics.

The role of nanomaterials in enhancing natural product translational potential and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in the treatment of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, and particularly its most frequent type, epithelial ovarian carcinoma, constitutes one of the most dangerous malignant tumors among females. Substantial evidence has described the potential of phytochemicals against ovarian cancer. The effect of natural compounds on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is of great relevance in this regard. In ovarian cancer, the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen results in decompensated ER stress. This leads to deregulation in the physiological processes for the posttranslational modification of proteins, jeopardizes cellular homeostasis, and increases apoptotic signaling. Several metabolites and metabolite extracts of phytochemical origin have been studied in the context of ER stress in ovarian cancer. Resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, fucosterol, cleistopholine, fucoidan, and epicatechin gallate, among others, have shown inhibitory potential against ER stress. The chemical structure of each compound plays an important role concerning its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and overall effectiveness. Studying and cross-comparing the chemical features that render different phytochemicals effective in eliciting particular anti-ER stress actions can help improve drug design or develop multipotent combination regimens. Many studies have also investigated the properties of formulations such as nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, and intravenous hydrogel based on curcumin and quercetin along with some other phytomolecules in ovarian cancer. Overall, the potential of phytochemicals in targeting genetic mechanisms of ovarian cancer warrants further translational and clinical investigation.

Role of Nanotechnology in Overcoming the Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Therapy: A Review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the globe and is likely to become the major cause of global death in the coming years. As per World Health Organization (WHO) report, every year there are over 10 and 9 million new cases and deaths from this disease. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are the three basic approaches to treating cancer. These approaches are aiming at eradicating all cancer cells with minimum off-target effects on other cell types. Most drugs have serious adverse effects due to the lack of target selectivity. On the other hand, resistance to already available drugs has emerged as a major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy, allowing cancer to proliferate irrespective of the chemotherapeutic agent. Consequently, it leads to multidrug resistance (MDR), a growing concern in the scientific community. To overcome this problem, in recent years, nanotechnology-based drug therapies have been explored and have shown great promise in overcoming resistance, with most nano-based drugs being explored at the clinical level. Through this review, we try to explain various mechanisms involved in multidrug resistance in cancer and the role nanotechnology has played in overcoming or reversing this resistance.

Investigating the anticancer efficacy of biogenic synthesized MgONPs: An in vitro analysis

The biogenic approach of synthesizing metal nanoparticles is an exciting and interesting research area with a wide range of applications. The present study reports a simple, convenient, low-cost method for synthesizing magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) from pumpkin seed extracts and their anticancer efficacy against ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line (PA-1). The characteristic features of biogenic MgONPs were assessed by UV–visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation of spherical NPs with an average size of 100 nm was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, MgONPs exhibit considerable cytotoxicity with an IC₅₀ dose of 12.5 μg/ml. A dose-dependent rise in the induction of apoptosis, ROS formation, and inhibition in the migration of PA-1 cells was observed up to 15 μg/ml concentration, reflecting their significant anticancer potential against ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line. However, additional work, especially in different in vitro and in vivo models, is recommended to find out their real potential before this environment-friendly and cost-effective nanoformulation could be exploited for the benefit of humankind.

Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Combined Regimens with Conventional Chemotherapy to Overcome Drug-Resistance

Acquired drug resistance represents a major clinical problem and one of the biggest limitations of chemotherapeutic regimens in colorectal cancer. Combination regimens using standard chemotherapeutic agents, together with bioactive natural compounds derived from diet or plants, may be one of the most valuable strategies to overcome drug resistance and re-sensitize chemoresistant cells. In this review, we highlight the effect of combined regimens based on conventional chemotherapeutics in conjunction with well-tolerated plant-derived bioactive compounds, mainly curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms associated with the acquired drug resistance.

A QbD Approach to Design and to Optimize the Self-Emulsifying Resveratrol-Phospholipid Complex to Enhance Drug Bioavailability through Lymphatic Transport

Objectives: Despite having profound therapeutic value, the clinical application of resveratrol is restrained due to its <1% bioavailability, arising from the extensive fast-pass effect along with enterohepatic recirculation. This study aimed to develop a self-emulsifying formulation capable of increasing the bioavailability of resveratrol via lymphatic transport. Methods: The resveratrol−phospholipid complex (RPC) was formed by the solvent evaporation method and characterized by FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses. The RPC-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was designed, developed, and optimized using the QbD approach with an emphasis on resveratrol transport through the intestinal lymphatic pathway. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study was investigated in male Wister Albino rats. Results: The FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses confirmed the RPC formation. The obtained design space provided robustness of prediction within the 95% prediction interval to meet the CQA specifications. An optimal formulation (desirability value of 7.24) provided Grade-A self-emulsion and exhibited a 48-fold bioavailability enhancement compared to the pure resveratrol. The cycloheximide-induced chylomicron flow blocking approach demonstrated that 91.14% of the systemically available resveratrol was transported through the intestinal lymphatic route. Conclusions: This study suggests that an optimal self-emulsifying formulation can significantly increase the bioavailability of resveratrol through lymphatic transport to achieve the desired pharmacological effects.

Targeting cancer signaling pathways by natural products: Exploring promising anti-cancer agents

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and significantly burdens the healthcare system. Due to its prevalence, there is undoubtedly an unmet need to discover novel anticancer drugs. The use of natural products as anticancer agents is an acceptable therapeutic approach due to accessibility, applicability, and reduced cytotoxicity. Natural products have been an incomparable source of anticancer drugs in the modern era of drug discovery. Along with their derivatives and analogs, natural products play a major role in cancer treatment by modulating the cancer microenvironment and different signaling pathways. These compounds are effective against several signaling pathways, mainly cell death pathways (apoptosis and autophagy) and embryonic developmental pathways (Notch pathway, Wnt pathway, and Hedgehog pathway). The historical record of natural products is strong, but there is a need to investigate the current role of natural products in the discovery and development of cancer drugs and determine the possibility of natural products being an important source of future therapeutic agents. Many target-specific anticancer drugs failed to provide successful results, which accounts for a need to investigate natural products with multi-target characteristics to achieve better outcomes. The potential of natural products to be promising novel compounds for cancer treatment makes them an important area of research. This review explores the significance of natural products in inhibiting the various signaling pathways that serve as drivers of carcinogenesis and thus pave the way for developing and discovering anticancer drugs.

Food-Derived Bioactive Molecules from Mediterranean Diet: Nanotechnological Approaches and Waste Valorization as Strategies to Improve Human Wellness

The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), the most widely followed healthy diet in the world, are principally due to the presence in the foods of secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenols, whose healthy characteristics are widely recognized. However, one of the biggest problems associated with the consumption of polyphenols as nutraceutical adjuvant concerns their bioavailability. During the last decades, different nanotechnological approaches have been developed to enhance polyphenol bioavailability, avoiding the metabolic modifications that lead to low absorption, and improving their retention time inside the organisms. This review focuses on the most recent findings regarding the encapsulation and delivery of the bioactive molecules present in the foods daily consumed in the MedDiet such as olive oil, wine, nuts, spice, and herbs. In addition, the possibility of recovering the polyphenols from food waste was also explored, taking into account the increased market demand of functional foods and the necessity to obtain valuable biomolecules at low cost and in high quantity. This circular economy strategy, therefore, represents an excellent approach to respond to both the growing demand of consumers for the maintenance of human wellness and the economic and ecological exigencies of our society.

Nano-Resveratrol: A Promising Candidate for the Treatment of Renal Toxicity Induced by Doxorubicin in Rats Through Modulation of Beclin-1 and mTOR

Background: Although doxorubicin (DXR) is one of the most used anticancer drugs, it can cause life-threatening renal damage. There has been no effective treatment for DXR-induced renal damage until now.

Aim: This work aims at examining the potential impact of nano-resveratrol (N-Resv), native resveratrol (Resv), and their combination with carvedilol (Card) against DXR-induced renal toxicity in rats and to investigate the mechanisms through which these antioxidants act to ameliorate DXR nephrotoxicity. Method: DXR was administered to rats (2 mg/kg, i.p.) twice weekly over 5 weeks. The antioxidants in question were taken 1 week before the DXR dose for 6 weeks.

Results: DXR exhibited an elevation in serum urea, creatinine, renal lipid peroxide levels, endoglin expression, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and beclin-1. On the other hand, renal podocin and mTOR expression and GSH levels were declined. In addition, DNA fragmentation was markedly increased in the DXR-administered group. Treatment with either Resv or N-Resv alone or in combination with Card ameliorated the previously measured parameters.

Conclusion: N-Resv showed superior effectiveness relative to Resv in most of the measured parameters. Histopathological examination revealed amelioration of renal structural and cellular changes after DXR by Card and N-Resv, thus validating the previous biochemical and molecular results.

Development, Optimization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel Oral Long-Acting Resveratrol Nanocomposite In-Situ Gelling Film in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

This study aimed to develop and evaluate sustained-release (SR) long-acting oral nanocomposites in-situ gelling films of resveratrol (Rv) to treat colorectal cancer. In these formulations, Rv-Soy protein (Rv-Sp) wet granules were prepared by the kneading method and then encapsulated in the sodium alginate (NA) dry films. The prepared nanocomposite in-situ gels films were characterized using dynamic light scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The optimized formulations were further evaluated based on drug encapsulation efficiency, pH-drug release profile, swelling study, and storage time effects. The optimized formulation was tested for its anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells using the cytotoxicity assessment, apoptosis testing, cell cycle analysis, gene expression analysis, and protein estimation by the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, respectively. The optimum film showed encapsulation efficiency of 97.87% ± 0.51 and drug release of 14.45% ± 0.043 after 8 h. All physiochemical characterizations confirmed, reasoned, and supported the drug release experiment's findings and the encapsulation assay. The Rv nanocomposite formulation showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity enhanced apoptotic activity as compared to free Rv (p < 0.05). In addition, Rv nanocomposite formulation caused a significant increase in Bcl-2-associated protein X (Bax) and a decrease in expression of B-cell lymphoma 2, interleukin 1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Bcl2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α respectively) compared to that of free Rv in HCT-116 cells. These results suggest that long-acting Rv nanocomposite gels could be a promising agent for colorectal cancer treatment.

Promises of phytochemical based nano drug delivery systems in the management of cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of human disease and death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths per year and projected to reach 13.1 million by 2030. Many phytochemicals included in traditional medicine have been utilized in the management of cancer. Conventional chemotherapy is generally known to be the most effective treatment of metastatic cancer but these cancerous cells might grow resistant to numerous anticancer drugs over time that resulting in treatment failure. This review tried to portray the advancement in the anticancer and chemopreventive effects of several phytochemicals and some of its members encapsulated in the nano-based delivery system of the drug. It comprises the issue associated with limited use of each phytoconstituents in human cancer treatment are discussed, and the benefits of entrapment into nanocarriers are evaluated in terms of drug loading efficiency, nanocarrier size, release profile of the drug, and in vitro and/or in vivo research and treatment testing, such as cytotoxicity assays and cell inhibition/viability.