Beyond aromatherapy: can essential oil loaded nanocarriers revolutionize cancer treatment?

Funding Sponsor

American University in Cairo

Author's Department

Chemistry Department

Second Author's Department

Chemistry Department

Fourth Author's Department

Chemistry Department

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https://doi.org/10.1039/d4na00678j

All Authors

Obaydah Abd Alkader Alabrahim, Jude Majed Lababidi, Wolfgang Fritzsche, Hassan Mohamed El Said Azzazy

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Nanoscale Advances

Publication Date

9-27-2024

doi

10.1039/d4na00678j

Abstract

Cancer, a complex global health burden, necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. While chemotherapy remains the primary treatment approach, its severe side effects and chemoresistance drive the search for novel alternatives. Essential oils (EOs), consisting of diverse bioactive phytochemicals, offer promise as anticancer agents. However, their limitations, such as instability, limited bioavailability, and non-specific targeting, hinder their therapeutic potential. These challenges were circumvented by utilizing nanoparticles and nanosystems as efficient delivery platforms for EOs. This review highlights the accumulating evidence based on loading EOs into several nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, lipid-based nanocapsules and nanostructures, niosomes, and liposomes, as effective anticancer regimens. It covers extraction and chemical composition of EOs, their mechanisms of action, and targeting strategies to various tumors. Additionally, it delves into the diverse landscape of nanocarriers, including their advantages and considerations for cancer targeting and EO encapsulation. The effectiveness of EO-loaded nanocarriers in cancer targeting and treatment is examined, highlighting enhanced cellular uptake, controlled drug release, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Finally, the review addresses existing challenges and future perspectives, emphasizing the potential for clinical translation and personalized medicine approaches.

First Page

5511

Last Page

5562

Comments

Review. Record derived from SCOPUS.

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