Journal of Functional Foods (Sep 2024)
Nanotechnology and flavonoids: Current research and future perspectives on cardiovascular health
Abstract
The integration of nanotechnology and flavonoid research represents a novel approach to deliver and stabilize flavonoid, potent natural antioxidants present in various fruits and vegetables, renowned for their beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements nanotechnology to enhance flavonoid bioavailability, delivery, and efficacy. We examined various nanocarriers, including liposomes, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, that are utilized for encapsulating flavonoids. This encapsulation serves to protect flavonoids from degradation and enable their effective biodistribution in cardiovascular tissues. Recent research indicates that nanoencapsulated flavonoids improve therapeutic effets by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation; and improving lipid profiles in cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, we investigated the mechanism contributing to the cardiovascular advantages of flavonoids, including their ability to regulate endothelial function, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis prevention. Additionally, we analyzed challenges in translating these discoveries into clinical practice, such as ensuring safety, optimizing dosage, and addressing regulatory requirements. Future prospects include increasing production capacity, conducting extensive toxicity research over an extended period, and executing comprehensive clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of flavonoid based nanotherapeutics in maintaining cardiovascular health and managing related diseases. The integration of nanotechnology and flavonoid research represents a novel approach to deliver and stabilize flavonoids, potent natural antioxidants renowned for their cardiovascular benefits. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in nanotechnology to enhance flavonoid bioavailability, delivery, and efficacy. We examined various nanocarriers, including liposomes, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, for encapsulating flavonoids to protect them from degradation and enable effective biodistribution in cardiovascular tissues. Nanoencapsulated flavonoids improve therapeutic effects by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation and improving lipid profiles in cardiovascular diseases. We also analyzed challenges in translating these discoveries into clinical practice, such as ensuring safety, optimizing dosage, and addressing regulatory requirements. However, issues related to large-scale production and long-term stability of nanomaterials still present significant obstacles. Future prospects include increasing production capacity and conducting extensive toxicity research and comprehensive clinical trials.
