Nanomedicine has significantly advanced the treatment of various cancer phenotypes, addressing numerous challenges associated with conventional therapies. Researchers have extensively investigated the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers, such as charge, morphology, and surface chemistry, to optimize drug delivery systems. In the context of transformable nanomedicine, these properties are particularly critical for overcoming existing limitations, including suboptimal blood circulation times, sequestration by the reticuloendothelial system and mononuclear phagocyte system, and inefficient targeting of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Alterations in nanocarrier geometry, surface charge, and hydrophilicity have shown potential in mitigating these barriers, offering improved therapeutic outcomes and enhanced biomedical applications. This review explores controlled modulation of these properties in the context of anticancer therapy, offering an in-depth exploration of transformable strategies activated by both internal and external stimuli. We analyze the implications of these tunable characteristics on pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and targeted delivery to the TME. Additionally, we address the current challenges in the clinical translation of these advanced nanocarriers and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles to enhance the clinical feasibility of nanomedicine-based cancer therapies.

In this study, changes in total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity and anticancer activity against cervix cancer and colorectal cancer cell lines of phenolic extracts of black and white fig (Ficus carica L.) latex (milk) were investigated during in vitro gastrointestinal digestions for the first time. The findings indicated that the in vitro digestion process exerted a significant effect on TPC of the phenolic extract from white fig milk (WFM-PE) and phenolic extract from black fig milk (BFM-PE), and TPC tended to decrease after in vitro digestion (p < 0.05). As consistent with these findings, antioxidant activity (by the CUPRAC method) of the samples decreased (p < 0.05) during in vitro digestion. The IC50 value of the undigested BFM-PE was significantly lower than that of the undigested WFM-PE (p < 0.05). The undigested and the digested WFM-PE and BFM-PE did not show any cytotoxic activity against normal cells. However, anticancer activity of WFM-PE on cervix and colorectal cancer cell lines (p < 0.05) and anticancer activity of BFM-PE against colorectal cancer cell lines decreased after in vitro digestion (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the dominant phenolic was catechin hydrate and was syringic acid.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide, and early diagnosis and effective treatment have been the focus of research in this field. It is because of its late diagnosis, acquired resistance mechanisms, and systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents that the treatment of ovarian cancer is challenging. Combination chemotherapy can potentially improve therapeutic efficacy by activating multiple downstream pathways to overcome resistance and reduce the required dose. In recent years, PLGA-lipid hybrid nanoparticles have demonstrated their potential as an emerging drug delivery system for treating ovarian cancer. PLGA (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) has become a highly sought-after biomaterial for the clinical translation of adjustable drug delivery regimens due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality, coupled with controlled drug release, which can effectively overcome multidrug resistance and improve the efficiency of chemotherapy. Combination therapies are gradually becoming an ideal alternative to traditional drug formulations. The application of nanoparticles not only improves the therapeutic effect but also reduces the side effects, which provides strong support for personalized precision medicine. We review polymeric nanoparticle carriers for drug combinations used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly the combination of paclitaxel analogs (commonly used first-line therapy for ovarian cancer) with other small molecule therapeutic agents and cavitation combination therapy under ultrasound targeting (Figure 1). The elucidation of these issues will provide a theoretical basis for future exploration of novel NNDDS targeting GRPR for anti-OC therapy. This review presents research on recent advances in PLGA polymer nanoparticles in ovarian cancer, focusing on the use of PLGA degradable microspheres for loading chemotherapeutic agents and ultrasound combination therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that seriously threatens human health and affects the quality of life of patients. At present, pharmacotherapy is still the mainstream treatment for RA, but most methods have shortcomings, such as poor drug targeting, a low effective drug dosage at the inflammatory site, and high systemic toxicity. The combined application of drug-loaded nanobubbles and ultrasound technology provides a new technique for the treatment of RA. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) traces the transmission of drug-loaded nanobubbles in the body, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) causes the nanobubbles to rupture to release drugs at the inflammatory site, thereby reducing their toxicity to normal tissues. In this study, a drug-loaded nanobubble delivery system (DEXsp@Liposomes/C3F8) with ultrasonic response characteristics was successfully constructed, and its therapeutic effect was evaluated for the treatment of RA in vitro and in vivo. DEXsp@Liposomes/C3F8 + LIFU had good biocompatibility and excellent ultrasound imaging ability. DEXsp@Liposomes/C3F8 +HIFU distinctly increased the cellular uptake of DEXsp and significantly reduced the secretion of related inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, DEXsp@Liposomes/C3F8 + HIFU effectively alleviated the symptoms of RA in model rats and significantly improved their exercise capacity. In conclusion, the prepared ultrasound-mediated DEXsp@Liposomes/C3F8 system exhibits good imaging, monitoring and therapeutic effects, and the results of this study provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Oral cancer is a global health concern, particularly because of its aggressive tissue invasion and metastases, holding 16th position on occurrence among all carcinoma worldwide. The aberrated transcription factor NF-κB1 influences development and spread of oral cancer, making it a potential therapeutic target. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a few natural compounds from Artocarpus heterophyllus, Tinospora cordifolia, and Glycosmis pentaphylla in the treatment of oral cancer. Two FDA-approved drugs (5-fluorouracil, Docetaxel) and 16 natural compounds, including Artocarpin, Artocarpanone, Cycloartocarpin from Artocarpus heterophyllus; Berberine, Hydrastine, Magnoflorine, Palmatine Chloride, Tetrahydropalmatine from Tinospora cordifolia; and 5-Hydroxyarborinine, 5-Hydroxynoracronycine, 1-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone, Des-N-methylacronycine, Des-N-methylnoracronycine, Kokusagenine, Noracronycin, Skimmianine from Glycosmis pentaphylla were examined using in-silico techniques. Among the 16 natural compounds studied, Hydrastine shown the highest binding energy (-6.87 kcal/mol) against NF-κB1, surpassing all other drugs, including the standards 5-fluorouracil (-4.04 kcal/mol) and docetaxel (-2.4 kcal/mol). Further molecular dynamics simulations and in-vitro experiments verified Hydrastine's exceptional anti-cancer activity. The results of in-vitro were well-aligned with the findings of in-silico, revealing considerable cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest. The findings revealed natural compounds' potential as safer, more effective alternatives to current cancer therapeutics, opening up new avenues for oral cancer treatment.

Biomimetic nanocarriers, engineered to mimic the characteristics of native cells, offer a revolutionary approach in the treatment of various complex human diseases. This strategy enhances drug delivery by leveraging the innate properties of cellular components, thereby improving biocompatibility and targeting specificity. Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate significant advancements in drug delivery systems against cancer therapy, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections such as COVID-19. Here, we address the therapeutic applications of biomimetic nanocarriers and their promising strategy for personalized medicine.

The treatment of tumors continues to be significantly challenging. The presence of multiple modalities, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the therapeutic outcomes remain limited and are often associated with adverse effects and inconsistent efficacy across cancer types. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of active components from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for their anti-cancer properties, which are attributable to multi-targeted mechanisms and broad pharmacological actions. Despite this potential, TCM-derived compounds are commonly limited by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and suboptimal targeting. Currently, it is believed that advances in nanotechnology could address these limitations. Nanoparticles (NPs), which possess properties such as enhanced bioavailability, controlled release and precise targeting, have been used to improve the therapeutic efficacy of TCM components in cancer therapy. This review discusses the use of NPs for the delivery of active TCM compounds via organic-inorganic nanocarriers, highlighting innovative strategies that enhance the effectiveness of TCM-based anti-tumor components to provide insights into improving clinical outcomes while advancing the modernization and global application of TCM in oncology.

Cancer, the most common condition worldwide, ranks second in terms of the number of human deaths, surpassing cardiovascular diseases. Uncontrolled cell multiplication and resistance to cell death are the traditional features of cancer. The myriad of treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy to treat this disease. Conventional chemotherapy drug delivery suffers from issues such as the risk of damage to benign cells, which can cause toxicity, and a few tumor cells withstand apoptosis, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing tolerance. The side effects of cancer chemotherapy are often more pronounced than its benefits. Regarding drugs used in cancer chemotherapy, their bioavailability and stability in the tumor microenvironment are the most important issues that need immediate addressing. Hence, an effective and reliable drug delivery system through which both rapid and precise targeting of treatment can be achieved is urgently needed. In this work, we discuss the development of various nanobased carriers in the advancement of cancer therapy-their properties, the potential of polymers for drug delivery, and recent advances in formulations. Additionally, we discuss the use of tumor metabolism-rewriting nanomedicines in strengthening antitumor immune responses and mRNA-based nanotherapeutics in inhibiting tumor progression. We also examine several issues, such as nanotoxicological studies, including their distribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. Although significant attention is being given to nanotechnology, equal attention is needed in laboratories that produce nanomedicines so that they can record themselves in clinical trials. Furthermore, these medicines in clinical trials display overwhelming results with reduced side effects, as well as their ability to modify the dose of the drug.

A new series of aminodiols, aminotetraols and 1,2,3-triazoles based on allo-gibberic acid were synthesized in a stereoselective manner, starting from commercially available gibberellic acid. allo-Gibberic acid, prepared from gibberellic acid according to a literature method, was applied to SeO2/t-BuOOH-mediated allylic oxidation, yielding the triol, which is a key intermediate. After protecting the 1,4-diol functionality as acetonide, epoxidation was performed using either m-CPBA or t-BuOOH/VO(acac)2 to produce the epoxy alcohol. Then, the oxirane ring was opened with either primary amines to provide aminodiols or sodium azide to afford azido diols. The latter was subjected to the CuAAC reaction to obtain dihydroxy 1,2,3-triazoles. HCl-mediated acetonide deprotection of the prepared derivatives furnished aminotetraols and tetrahydroxy 1,2,3-triazoles. The antiproliferative effects of the prepared compounds were studied by the in vitro MTT method against a panel of human cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, A2780, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and fibroblasts, and the structure-activity relationships for the prepared compounds were explored.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies in the world and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The complexity and difficult-to-treat nature of OC pose a huge challenge to the treatment of the disease, Therefore, it is critical to find green and sustainable drug treatment options. Natural drugs have wide sources, many targets, and high safety, and are currently recognized as ideal drugs for tumor treatment, has previously been found to have a good effect on controlling tumor progression and reducing the burden of metastasis. However, its clinical transformation is often hindered by structural stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity. Emerging technologies for the treatment of OC, such as photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, gene therapy, molecular therapy, and nanotherapy, are developing rapidly, particularly, nanotechnology can play a bridging role between different therapies, synergistically drive the complementary role of differentiated treatment schemes, and has a wide range of clinical application prospects. In this review, nanoscale natural drug delivery systems (NNDDS) for targeted drug delivery against OC were extensively explored. We reviewed the mechanism of action of natural drugs against OC, reviewed the morphological composition and delivery potential of drug nanocarriers based on the application of nanotechnology in the treatment of OC, and discussed the limitations of current NNDDS research. After elucidating these problems, it will provide a theoretical basis for future exploration of novel NNDDS for anti-OC therapy.

The therapeutic efficacy of drugs is determined, to a certain extent, by the efficiency of drug delivery. The low efficiency of drug delivery systems (DDSs) is frequently associated with serious toxic side effects and can even prove fatal in certain cases. With the rapid development of technology, drug delivery has evolved from using traditional frameworks to using nano DDSs (NDDSs), endogenous biomaterials DDSs (EBDDSs), and living cell DDSs (LCDDSs). LCDDSs are receiving widespread attention from researchers at present owing to the unique advantages of living cells in targeted drug delivery, including their excellent biocompatibility properties, low immunogenicity, unique biological properties and functions, and role in the treatment of diseases. However, the theoretical basis and techniques involved in the application of LCDDSs have not been extensively summarized to date. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the properties and applications of living cells, elaborates the various drug loading approaches and controlled drug release, and discusses the results of clinical trials. The review also discusses the current shortcomings and prospects for the future development of LCDDSs, which will serve as highly valuable insights for the development and clinical transformation of LCDDSs in the future.

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are promising vehicles for targeted and controlled drug release. Recognized for their biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ease of production, CSNPs represent an effective approach to drug delivery. Encapsulating drugs within nanoparticles (NPs) provides numerous benefits compared to free drugs, such as increased bioavailability, minimized toxic side effects, improved delivery, and the incorporation of additional features like controlled release, imaging agents, targeted delivery, and combination therapies with multiple drugs. Keys parameters in nanomedicines are drug loading content and drug loading efficiency. Most current NP systems struggle with low drug loading, presenting a significant challenge to the field. This review summarizes recent research on developing CSNPs with high drug loading capacity, focusing on various synthesis strategies. It examines CSNP systems using different materials and drugs, providing details on their synthesis methods, drug loadings, encapsulation efficiencies, release profiles, stability, and applications in drug delivery. Additionally, the review discusses factors affecting drug loading, providing valuable guidelines for future CSNPs' development.

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, emphasizing the critical need for effective treatment strategies, especially targeted therapies. This systematic review summarizes the findings from in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the therapeutic potential of exosomes as drug delivery platforms in the field of breast cancer treatment. A comprehensive search was conducted across bibliographic datasets, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, using relevant queries from several related published articles and the Medical Subject Headings Database. Then, all morphological, biomechanical, histopathological, and cellular-molecular outcomes were systematically collected. A total of 30 studies were identified based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. These studies underwent assessment using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias assessment tool. The results indicate that exosomes exhibit promise as effective drug delivery platforms, capable of hindering cancer cell viability, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, a comprehensive assessment is challenging due to some studies deviating from guidelines and having incomplete methodology. Addressing these, future studies should detail methodologies, optimize dosing, and enhance exosome production. Standardization in reporting, consistent protocols, and exploration of alternative sources are crucial.

The rapid advancements in nanotechnology in the field of nanomedicine have the potential to significantly enhance therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. There is considerable promise for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy through the manufacture of innovative nanocomposite materials. Metallic nanoparticles have been found to enhance the release of anticancer medications that are loaded onto them, resulting in a sustained release, hence reducing the dosage required for drug administration and preventing their buildup in healthy cells. The combination of nanotechnology with biocompatible materials offers new prospects for the development of advanced therapies that exhibit enhanced selectivity, reduced adverse effects, and improved patient outcomes. Chitosan (CS), a polysaccharide possessing distinct physicochemical properties, exhibits favorable attributes for controlled drug delivery due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Chitosan nanocomposites exhibit heightened stability, improved biocompatibility, and prolonged release characteristics for anticancer medicines. The incorporation of gold (Au) nanoparticles into the chitosan nanocomposite results in the manifestation of photothermal characteristics, whereas the inclusion of silver (Ag) nanoparticles boosts the antibacterial capabilities of the synthesized nanocomposite. The objective of this review is to investigate the recent progress in the utilization of Ag and Au nanoparticles, or a combination thereof, within a chitosan matrix or its modified derivatives for the purpose of anticancer drug delivery. The research findings for the potential of a chitosan nanocomposite to deliver various anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin, 5-Fluroacil, curcumin, paclitaxel, and 6-mercaptopurine, were investigated. Moreover, various modifications carried out on the chitosan matrix phase and the nanocomposite surfaces to enhance targeting selectivity, loading efficiency, and pH sensitivity were highlighted. In addition, challenges and perspectives that could motivate further research related to the applications of chitosan nanocomposites in cancer therapy were summarized.

In this study, the pH-responsive API-CMCS-SA (ACS) polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on 1-(3-amino-propyl) imidazole (API), stearic acid (SA), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) were fabricated for the effective transport of curcumin (CUR) in liver cancer. CUR-ACS-NPs with various degrees of substitution (DS) were employed to prepare through ultrasonic dispersion method. The effect of different DS on NPs formation was discussed. The obtained CUR-ACS-NPs (DSSA=12.4%) had high encapsulation rate (more than 85%) and uniform particle size (186.2 ± 1.42 nm). The CUR-ACS-NPs showed better stability than the other groups. Drug release from the CUR-ACS-NPs was pH-dependent, and more than 90% or 65% of CUR was released in 48 h in weakly acid medium (pH 5.0 or 6.0, respectively). Additionally, the CUR-ACS-NPs increased the intracellular accumulation of CUR and demonstrated high anticancer effect on HepG2 cells compared with the other groups. CUR-ACS-NPs prolonged the retention time of the drug, and the area under the curve (AUC) increased significantly in vivo. The in vivo antitumor study further revealed that the CUR-ACS-NPs exhibited the capability of inhibiting tumor growth and lower systemic toxicity. Meanwhile, CUR, CUR-CS-NPs, and CUR-ACS-NPs could be detected in the evaluated organs, including tumor, liver, spleen, lung, heart, and kidney in distribution studies. Among them, CUR-ACS-NPs reached the maximum concentration at the tumor site, indicating the tumor-targeting properties. In short, the results suggested that CUR-ACS-NPs could act a prospective drug transport system for effective delivery of CUR in cancer treatment.

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents are widely employed in cancer treatment because of their effectiveness in targeting DNA. However, this indiscriminate action often affects both cancerous and normal cells, leading to severe side effects and highlighting the need for innovative approaches in achieving precise drug delivery. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. Protein-based nanocarriers exhibit promising capabilities in the realm of cancer drug delivery with silk sericin nanoparticles standing out as a leading contender. This investigation focuses on creating a sericin-based nanocarrier (SNC) featuring surface charge reversal designed to effectively transport cisplatin (Cispt-SNC) into MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Utilizing AutoDock4.2, our molecular docking analyses identified key amino acids and revealed distinctive conformational clusters, providing insights into the drug-protein interaction landscape and highlighting the potential of sericin as a carrier for controlled drug release. The careful optimization and fabrication of sericin as the carrier material were achieved through flash nanoprecipitation, a straightforward and reproducible method that is devoid of intricate equipment. The physicochemical properties of SNCs and Cispt-SNCs, particularly concerning size, surface charge, and morphology, were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical and conformational analyses of the nanocarriers were conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD), and elemental composition analysis was performed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). This approach aimed to achieve the smallest nanoparticle size for Cispt-SNCs (180 nm) and high drug encapsulation efficiency (84%) at an optimal sericin concentration of 0.1% (w/v), maintaining a negative net charge at a physiological pH (7.4). Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were investigated in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. SNCs demonstrated stability and exhibited a pH-dependent drug release behavior, aligning with the mildly acidic tumor microenvironment (pH 6.0-7.0). Efficient cellular uptake of Cispt-SNC, along with DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation, was found at pH 6, leading to cell apoptosis. These results collectively indicate the potential of SNCs for achieving controlled drug release in a tumor-specific context. Our in vitro studies reveal the cytotoxicity of both cisplatin and Cispt-SNCs on MCF-7 cells. Cisplatin significantly reduced cell viability at 10 μM concentration (IC50), and the unique combination of sericin and cisplatin showcased enhanced cell viability compared to cisplatin alone, suggesting that controlled drug release is indicated by a gradient decrease in cell viability and highlighting SNCs as promising carriers. The study underscores the promise of protein-based nanocarriers in advancing targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy.

Background: We investigated the anti-cancer effect of carnosine-loaded niosomes (Car-NIO) and melittin-loaded niosomes (Mel-NIO) with olaparib in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Methods: The thin film method was used for preparing the niosomes and characterized in terms of morphology, size, and polydispersity index (PDI). We further evaluated the impact of these peptides on breast cancer cells viability, RT-qPCR assays, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, and cell cycle progression, to determine if these are linked to carnosine and melittin's anti-proliferative properties. Results: Car-NIO and Mel-NIO in vitro study inhibited cancer cell viability. They have also upregulated the expression of protein 53 (P53), BCL2-Associated X Protein (Bax), caspase-9, caspase-3, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), and Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), while downregulated the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP 1), and MicroRNA-183 (miRNA-183). The MCF-7 cells were arrested at the G2/M phase in Car-NIO, on the other hand, the MDA-MB-231 cells were arrested at the S phase. While the Mel-NIO and olaparib arrested the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at the G0/1 phase. Conclusion: Our study successfully declared that Mel-NIO had more anti-cancer effects than Car-NIO in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

The limitations associated with the conventional treatment of cancer have necessitated the design and development of novel drug delivery systems based mainly on nanotechnology. These novel drug delivery systems include various kinds of nanoparticles, such as polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, hydrogels, and polymeric micelles. Among the various kinds of novel drug delivery systems, chitosan-based nanoparticles have attracted the attention of researchers to treat cancer. Chitosan is a polycationic polymer generated from chitin with various characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and mucoadhesiveness, making it an ideal polymer to fabricate drug delivery systems. However, chitosan is poorly soluble in water and soluble in acidic aqueous solutions. Furthermore, owing to the presence of reactive amino groups, chitosan can be chemically modified to improve its physiochemical properties. Chitosan and its modified derivatives can be employed to fabricate nanoparticles, which are used most frequently in the pharmaceutical sector due to their possession of various characteristics such as nanosize, appropriate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, non-immunogenicity, improved stability, and improved drug loading capacity. Furthermore, it is capable of delivering nucleic acids, chemotherapeutic medicines, and bioactives using modified chitosan. Chitosan and its modified derivative-based nanoparticles can be targeted to specific cancer sites via active and passive mechanisms. Based on chitosan drug delivery systems, many anticancer drugs now have better effectiveness, potency, cytotoxicity, or biocompatibility. The characteristics of chitosan and its chemically tailored derivatives, as well as their use in cancer therapy, will be examined in this review.

Anticancer drugs in monotherapy are ineffective to treat various kinds of cancer due to the heterogeneous nature of cancer. Moreover, available anticancer drugs possessed various hurdles, such as drug resistance, insensitivity of cancer cells to drugs, adverse effects and patient inconveniences. Hence, plant-based phytochemicals could be a better substitute for conventional chemotherapy for treatment of cancer due to various properties: lesser adverse effects, action via multiple pathways, economical, etc. Various preclinical studies have demonstrated that a combination of phytochemicals with conventional anticancer drugs is more efficacious than phytochemicals individually to treat cancer because plant-derived compounds have lower anticancer efficacy than conventional anticancer drugs. Moreover, phytochemicals suffer from poor aqueous solubility and reduced bioavailability, which must be resolved for efficacious treatment of cancer. Therefore, nanotechnology-based novel carriers are employed for codelivery of phytochemicals and conventional anticancer drugs for better treatment of cancer. These novel carriers include nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes that provide various benefits of improved solubility, reduced adverse effects, higher efficacy, reduced dose, improved dosing frequency, reduced drug resistance, improved bioavailability and higher patient compliance. This review summarizes various phytochemicals employed in treatment of cancer, combination therapy of phytochemicals with anticancer drugs and various nanotechnology-based carriers to deliver the combination therapy in treatment of cancer.

Most drugs used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and related disorders have low absorption, high metabolism, low brain targeting and/or low water solubility, which can make it hard to formulate them at high strength and can also lead to decreased bioavailability. Incorporating these drugs into nanometric emulsions can solve these issues. Hence, the aim of the present review was to assess the potential of nano and micro emulsions for the delivery of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs. The results from several studies showed that nanometric emulsions were able to increase drug strength up to 20,270-fold (compared to aqueous solubility). Moreover, in general, the formulations showed droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, viscosity, osmolality, pH, in vitro drug release and ex vivo drug permeation as adequate for the intended effect and administration route. In vivo animal pharmacokinetic experiments showed that nanometric emulsions improved systemic drug bioavailability and/or brain targeting, and in vivo pharmacodynamic studies showed that they had antidepressant and/or anxiolytic effects, also being apparently safe. Hence, the current review provides proof of the potential of nano and microemulsions for improving solubilization and increasing the overall bioavailability of antidepressant and/or anxiolytic drugs, providing evidence of a possible useful strategy for future therapies.