Abstract

Herbal nanomedicine represents a rapidly evolving field that combines the therapeutic potential of plant-derived 
bioactive compounds with the technological advantages of nanocarriers. Traditional herbal formulations often face 
challenges such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, instability, and rapid metabolism, which limit their clinical 
efficacy. Nanotechnology provides novel strategies to overcome these barriers by enhancing the delivery, 
controlled release, and pharmacokinetics of herbal drugs. Various nanoformulations, including nanoparticles, 
liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric micelles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, have been investigated to encapsulate 
phytochemicals such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, and silymarin, demonstrating improved therapeutic 
outcomes. These systems have shown promise in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, 
diabetes, microbial infections, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite encouraging preclinical evidence, the 
transition of herbal nanomedicines from laboratory to clinic remains limited due to regulatory challenges, lack of 
standardization, and insufficient large-scale clinical trials. This review highlights current advances in herbal 
nanomedicine, explores their mechanisms of improved efficacy, and discusses prospects for integrating 
nanoformulated phytochemicals into modern healthcare.