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Global Translational Medicine Phytonanotherapy in cancer and diabetes care

Table 3. Research of plant‑based NPs in diabetes and cancer treatment
Disease Plant used NP Mechanism of action Research findings References
type
Diabetes Gymnema sylvestre AuNPs Enhances insulin secretion and Improved glucose uptake in diabetic animal models 5,21,25
glucose uptake
Momordica charantia AgNPs Inhibits alpha-glucosidase and Reduced post-prandial glucose spikes in studies 5,21,25.
improves insulin sensitivity
Moringa oleifera AuNPs Protects pancreatic beta cells and Enhanced beta-cell survival and reduced oxidative 5,21,25
enhances antioxidant action stress in diabetic rats
Cancer Catharanthus roseus AuNPs Induces apoptosis in cancer cells Selectively killed breast cancer cells in vitro 21,35,49,58
through ROS generation
Curcuma longa AuNPs Enhances drug delivery to tumors Enhanced tumor targeting and reduced systemic 21,35,49,58
and reduces inflammation toxicity
Azadirachta indica AgNPs Triggers mitochondrial dysfunction Effective in lung and colon cancer models 21,35,49,58
in cancer cells
Abbreviations: AuNPs: Gold NPs; AgNPs: Silver NPs; NPs: Nanoparticles; ROS: Reactive oxygen species.

popularity. These nanocarriers can encapsulate anticancer 5.1.4. Clinical research
medications and gradually release them at the tumor site, Some green NP-based cancer therapeutics have advanced
therefore decreasing systemic toxicity.
to early-stage clinical studies. 35,36 The purpose of these trials
Green NPs are increasingly being used in combination is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these innovative
therapy for cancer treatment. They have the ability medicines in human patients.
to transport numerous therapeutic agents, such as
chemotherapeutic medicines, immunotherapeutic, and 5.1.5. Considerations for biosafety and regulation
gene therapies, thereby increasing the overall efficacy of The biosafety and regulatory elements of green NPs have
cancer treatments. 33 also been assessed, guaranteeing that these medicines fulfill
Green NPs with dual therapeutic and diagnostic rigorous safety and quality criteria for clinical application. 36
properties (theranostics) have appeared. These NPs can While these new results are encouraging, it is crucial to
be utilized to deliver targeted drugs while also providing highlight that translating green NP-based cancer treatments
imaging contrast for enhanced tumor visualization and from the laboratory to clinical practice may take many
monitoring therapy response. years, with extensive testing required to verify their safety

5.1.1. Targeted delivery and efficacy in humans. As a result, ongoing research and
clinical trials will play a crucial role in defining the future
Advances in the functionalization of green NPs with of cancer therapeutics based on green NPs. Table 4 shows
targeting ligands and antibodies have enabled more the most recent breakthroughs in this field, encompassing
accurate and effective therapeutic payload delivery to current scientific literature and clinical trial databases.
cancer cells. This lowers off-target effects while improving
treatment outcomes. 34 6. Antidiabetic phytomedicine

5.1.2. Immunomodulation The use of phytochemicals from medicinal plants in the
manufacture of gold and silver NPs (NPs) offers great
Certain green NPs have immunomodulatory qualities promise, notably in their role as possible antidiabetic
that can be used to stimulate the body’s immune response medicines. Medicinal plants are high in bioactive
against cancer cells. This strategy offers promise when
combined with immunotherapies. components such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids,
and alkaloids, all of which have antidiabetic characteristics.
5.1.3. Green algae NPs The NP synthesis procedure is both sustainable and
environmentally friendly because it uses natural substances.
Algae-based NPs have received attention due to
their natural abundance and biocompatibility. Green Gold and silver NPs can boost the bioavailability of
NPs generated from algae are being investigated for antidiabetic phytochemicals that are poorly water soluble.
application in cancer therapy, including photothermal and This means that a greater proportion of these beneficial
photodynamic therapies. 35 substances will be absorbed by the body, perhaps leading

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 22 doi: 10.36922/gtm.5840