International Journal of Nanomedicine (Mar 2025)
Harnessing the Power of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Treatment: The Role of Nanocarriers
Abstract
Ziyu Fu,1 Shengmei Wang,1 Xin Zhou,1 Linqi Ouyang,1 Zhen Chen,1 Guiming Deng1,2 1The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, People’s Republic of China; 2The second Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhen Chen; Guiming Deng, Email 1018793145@qq.com; guimingd1004@163.comAbstract: For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has had certain advantages in the treatment of tumors. However, due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability and potential toxicity, their effective delivery to target sites can be a major challenge. Nanocarriers based on the active ingredients of TCM, such as liposomes, polymer nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and organic/inorganic nanohybrids, are a promising strategy to improve the delivery of TCM, resulting in higher therapeutic outcomes and fewer side effects. Therefore, this article intends to review the application of Chinese medicine nano preparation in tumor. Firstly, we introduce the classification and synthesis of nanometer preparations of Chinese medicine. The second part mainly introduces the different responses of TCM nano-preparations in the course of treatment to introduce how TCM nano-preparations play a role in anti-tumor therapy. The third part focuses on Different response modes of Chinese medicine nano preparations in tumor therapy. The fourth part elucidates the application of Chinese medicine nano preparations in the treatment of cancer. Finally, the research direction to be explored in related fields is put forward.Keywords: traditional Chinese medicine, tumor, nanodelivery system, tumor therapy