Page 26 - GTM-4-1
P. 26
Global Translational Medicine Phytonanotherapy in cancer and diabetes care
NPs have also been used in CAM to aid with 3.1.1. NP synthesis
diagnosis. 10,11 Functionalized NPs can be used as contrast In phytonanotherapy, NPs are synthesized utilizing
agents in imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants, and
imaging (MRI) or as drug carriers. This approach these NPs can include gold, silver, or other materials and
facilitates the visualization and precise treatment of function as carriers for therapeutic medicines. 14
diseases, aligning with the holistic principles commonly
linked with CAM. 3.1.2. Targeted drug delivery
Nevertheless, the combination of CAM and NPs raises Drugs or therapeutic compounds originating from
concerns about safety and regulatory oversight. Ensuring medicinal plants can be encapsulated in phytosynthesized
the safety and quality of CAM-derived NPs is crucial before NPs. These NPs can then be targeted at specific disease
they acceptance and application in health care. Regulatory areas in the body, boosting therapeutic efficacy while
bodies must adapt to facilitate the comprehensive decreasing side effects. 15
evaluation and approval of these novel therapeutics. 12
3.1.3. Improved bioavailability
3. Phytonanotherapy and green synthesis NPs can improve plant-derived drug solubility and
Phytonanotherapy and green synthesis represent two bioavailability, making them more useful as therapies for
innovative and eco-friendly approaches in the fields of cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory illnesses. 16
health care and nanotechnology. Their individual concepts
and their potential intersections are described in the 3.1.4. Reduced toxicity
following sections. Table 1 shows the pros and cons of both Phytonanotherapy tries to lessen the toxicity associated
these approaches. with some synthetic medications by utilizing natural plant
chemicals, hence promoting safer therapies. 15
3.1. Phytonanotherapy
Phytonanotherapy is a cutting-edge method of treatment 3.2. Green synthesis of NPs
that blends the healing characteristics of medicinal plants Green synthesis, also known as environmentally friendly or
with nanotechnology. It entails using NPs produced from eco-friendly synthesis, is a technique for creating NPs from
plant-derived chemicals or extracts for targeted medication biocompatible and sustainable ingredients. Green synthesis,
delivery and improved therapeutic effects. Figure 1 as opposed to standard chemical processes, which frequently
describes some of the most important components of entail hazardous chemicals and severe settings, focuses on
phytonanotherapy. 13 natural supplies and benign reaction conditions.
Table 1. Pros and cons of phytonanotherapy and green synthesis
Pros Phytonanotherapy Green Synthesis
Enhanced drug delivery Improved bioavailability of plant-based therapies Synthesis of NPs with customized characteristics under
controlled conditions
Targeted therapy Precise distribution to specific disease locations. Possibility of customizing functionality for individual
applications
Reduced toxicity Uses natural, less harmful substances Avoids the usage of potentially dangerous chemicals
Sustainable materials Uses plant-derived chemicals Uses ecologically friendly precursors.
Biocompatibility NPs are generally biocompatible Produces frequently biocompatible NPs
Diverse therapeutic options Access to a diverse array of therapeutic plants Material versatility (metals, oxides, and so on)
Eco-friendly approach Complies with environmental and sustainable principles Low environmental effect
Cons Phytonanotherapy Green Synthesis
Limited plant availability Varying plant availability (seasonal) Reliance on the availability of appropriate plant sources
Standardization challenges Difficulty in maintaining consistency in phytochemical Varying reproducibility of green synthesis methods.
composition
Safety concerns Allergic reactions to plant-based ingredients Varying biocompatibility and toxicity
Regulatory hurdles Strict guidelines for herbal medicine and NP-based treatments Complicated regulatory approval process
Abbreviation: NP: Nanoparticles.
Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 18 doi: 10.36922/gtm.5840

