Plant-Derived Natural Product Nanodelivery System in Cancer Therapy.

Abstract

Plant-derived natural products have emerged as important sources of anticancer agents because of their diverse chemical structures and broad biological activities. However, their clinical application is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low membrane permeability, insufficient tumor selectivity, and systemic toxicity. Recent advances in nanodelivery systems have provided effective strategies to overcome these pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic barriers by improving drug stability, enhancing tumor-targeted accumulation, and promoting intracellular delivery. In this review, we systematically summarise recent progress in the nanotechnology-based delivery of plant-derived natural products for cancer therapy, with a focus on three major strategies: chemical conjugation, self-assembly of natural products, and codelivery of natural products with chemotherapeutic agents. We further discuss the major advantages of these systems, including improved bioavailability, enhanced targeting capacity, reduced off-target toxicity, and the potential to overcome multidrug resistance. Finally, current challenges in formulation design, safety evaluation, large-scale manufacturing, and clinical translation are highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive framework for the rational development of plant-derived natural product nanomedicines in precision oncology.