Nanoherbals: A Modern Approach in Herbal Medicine

Parth Khandelwal, Vikram Sarukh, Hrishikesh Bhakade, Huzaifa Patel, Amol Jadhav, Sohail Shaikh,

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17668066

Review Paper | Open Access
Volume 02 | Issue 11 | Article Id IJSRT/250311102

Nanoherbals: A Modern Approach in Herbal Medicine
Parth Khandelwal* Vikram Sarukh Hrishikesh Bhakade Huzaifa Patel Amol Jadhav Sohail Shaikh
S.N.D College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola

Abstract

Herbal medicines have long been valued for their therapeutic benefits, minimal side effects, and cost-effectiveness; however, their clinical utility remains constrained by poor solubility, instability, and limited bioavailability. Recent advancements in nanotechnology?encompassing liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid-lipid carriers?have emerged as promising solutions to these challenges. By encapsulating phytoconstituents within nanoscale delivery systems, nanoherbals enhance absorption, protect bioactive compounds from degradation, and enable targeted, controlled release, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy across a broad spectrum of conditions, including cancer, neurological, inflammatory, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, bibliometric studies illustrate the rapid growth and evolving landscape of herbal nanomedicine research, with significant attention to trends, hot topics, and emerging frontiers in the field. Despite these advances, challenges persist?such as ensuring standardization of herbal materials, evaluating long-term nanotoxicity, scaling up green synthesis processes, addressing regulatory deficits, and ensuring sustainable manufacturing. Thus, while nanoherbals represent a convergence of traditional phytotherapy and modern drug delivery, further rigorous research, safety evaluations, and harmonized regulatory frameworks are essential for their successful translation into mainstream clinical applications.

Keywords

Nanoherbals, Herbal Medicine, Nanocarriers, Bioavailability, Nanotechnology, Drug Delivery, Safety, Future Perspectives

Introduction

Herbal medicines have been integral to human healthcare for millennia, with documented systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani dating back over 5,000 years [1]. These traditional remedies remain deeply rooted in modern healthcare due to their perceived safety, holistic benefits, and affordability. However, their widespread acceptance is constrained by intrinsic limitations—particularly poor aqueous solubility, instability, and low bioavailability of active phytoconstituents [3]. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative solution to these challenges. By integrating herbal constituents into nanoscale delivery systems—such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticles—researchers have significantly enhanced solubility, stability, and absorption, while enabling controlled and targeted release of bioactive compounds [3]. This convergence of nanotechnology and phytotherapy gives rise to the concept of nanoherbals—a modern adaptation of herbal medicine utilizing engineering at the nanoscale.