Evaluation of physicochemical and antioxidant properties of nanosized copolymeric micelles loaded with kaempferol

Nanophytomedicine: A promising practical approach in phytotherapy

The long and rich history of herbal therapeutic nutrients is fascinating. It is incredible to think about how ancient civilizations used plants and herbs to treat various ailments and diseases. One group of bioactive phytochemicals that has gained significant attention recently is dietary polyphenols. These compounds are commonly found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, drinks, legumes, and grains. Despite their incredible therapeutic properties, one challenge with polyphenols is their poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This means that they are not easily absorbed by the body when consumed in essential diets. Because of structural complexity, polyphenols with high molecular weight cannot be absorbed in the small intestine and after arriving in the colon, they are metabolized by gut microbiota. However, researchers are constantly working on finding solutions to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of these compounds. This study aims to address this issue by applying nanotechnology approaches to overcome the challenges of the therapeutic application of dietary polyphenols. This combination of nanotechnology and phytochemicals could cause a completely new field called nanophytomedicine or herbal nanomedicine.

Beneficial role of kaempferol and its derivatives from different plant sources on respiratory diseases in experimental models

Respiratory illnesses impose a significant health burden and cause deaths worldwide. Despite many advanced strategies to improve patient outcomes, they are often less effective. There is still considerable room for improvement in the treatment of various respiratory diseases. In recent years, alternative medicinal agents derived from food plants have shown better beneficial effects against a wide variety of disease models, including cancer. In this regard, kaempferol (KMF) and its derivatives are the most commonly found dietary flavonols. They have been found to exhibit protective effects on multiple chronic diseases like diabetes, fibrosis, and so on. A few recent articles have reviewed the pharmacological actions of KMF in cancer, central nervous system diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, there is no comprehensive review that exists regarding the beneficial effects of KMF and its derivatives on both malignant- and non-malignant respiratory diseases. Many experimental studies reveal that KMF and its derivatives are helpful in managing a wide range of respiratory diseases, including acute lung injury, fibrosis, asthma, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we also discussed the chemistry and sources, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, methods to enhance bioavailability, as well as our perspective on future research with KMF and its derivatives.

Hyaluronic Acid-Mediated Phenolic Compound Nanodelivery for Cancer Therapy

Phenolic compounds are bioactive phytochemicals showing a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Moreover, they are associated with fewer side effects compared to most currently used antitumor drugs. Combinations of phenolic compounds with commonly used drugs have been largely studied as an approach aimed at enhancing the efficacy of anticancer drugs and reducing their deleterious systemic effects. In addition, some of these compounds are reported to reduce tumor cell drug resistance by modulating different signaling pathways. However, often, their application is limited due to their chemical instability, low water solubility, or scarce bioavailability. Nanoformulations, including polyphenols in combination or not with anticancer drugs, represent a suitable strategy to enhance their stability and bioavailability and, thus, improve their therapeutic activity. In recent years, the development of hyaluronic acid-based systems for specific drug delivery to cancer cells has represented a pursued therapeutic strategy. This is related to the fact that this natural polysaccharide binds to the CD44 receptor that is overexpressed in most solid cancers, thus allowing its efficient internalization in tumor cells. Moreover, it is characterized by high biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Here, we will focus on and critically analyze the results obtained in recent studies regarding the use of hyaluronic acid for the targeted delivery of bioactive phenolic compounds to cancer cells of different origins, alone or in combination with drugs.

Incorporation of Resveratrol in Polymeric Nanogel for Improvement of Its Protective Effects on Cellular and Microsomal Oxidative Stress Models

Nanogels are attractive drug delivery systems that provide high loading capacity for drug molecules, improve their stability, and increase cellular uptake. Natural antioxidants, especially polyphenols such as resveratrol, are distinguished by low aqueous solubility, which hinders therapeutic activity. Thus, in the present study, resveratrol was incorporated into nanogel particles, aiming to improve its protective effects in vitro. The nanogel was prepared from natural substances via esterification of citric acid and pentane-1,2,5-triol. High encapsulation efficiency (94.5%) was achieved by applying the solvent evaporation method. Dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the resveratrol-loaded nanogel particles were spherical in shape with nanoscopic dimensions (220 nm). In vitro release tests showed that a complete release of resveratrol was achieved for 24 h, whereas at the same time the non-encapsulated drug was poorly dissolved. The protective effect of the encapsulated resveratrol against oxidative stress in fibroblast and neuroblastoma cells was significantly stronger compared to the non-encapsulated drug. Similarly, the protection in a model of iron/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation on rat liver and brain microsomes was higher with the encapsulated resveratrol. In conclusion, embedding resveratrol in this newly developed nanogel improved its biopharmaceutical properties and protective effects in oxidative stress models.

Hyaluronic Acid Modified Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Targeting Delivery of Kaempferol to NSCLC: Preparation, Optimization, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation In Vitro

Lung cancer seriously threatens the health of human beings, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 80%. Nowadays, the potential position of nano-delivery in treating cancer has been the subject of continuous research. The present research aimed to prepare two molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified kaempferol (KA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (HA-KA-NLCs) by the method of melting ultrasonic and electrostatic adsorption, and to assess the antitumor effect of the preparations on A549 cells. The characterization and safety evaluation of the preparations illustrated that they are acceptable for drug delivery for cancer. Subsequently, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicated that the drug was adequately incorporated in the carrier, and the particle appeared as a sphere. Moreover, HA-KA-NLC showed predominant in vitro antitumor effects, inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoting apoptosis and increasing cellular uptake of A549 cells. Otherwise, the Western blot assay revealed that preparations could activate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related signaling pathways and modulate the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in A549 cells. Our present findings demonstrated that HA-KA-NLC could be considered as a secure and effective carrier for targeted tumor delivery and may have potential application prospects in future clinic therapy of NSCLC.

Kaempferol: A flavonoid with wider biological activities and its applications

Kaempferol and its derivatives are naturally occurring phytochemicals with promising bioactivities. This flavonol can reduce the lipid oxidation in the human body, prevent the organs and cell structure from deterioration and protect their functional integrity. This review has extensively highlighted the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activity of kaempferol. However, poor water solubility and low bioavailability of kaempferol greatly limit its applications. The utilization of advanced delivery systems can improve its stability, efficacy, and bioavailability. This is the first review that aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on biosynthesis, mechanism of action, bioactivities, bioavailability, and toxicological potential of kaempferol. Besides, it provides insights into the future direction on the improvement of bioavailability of kaempferol for wide applications.