Comprehensive scientific insights on plant inspired nano therapeutics as the missing piece of the breast cancer puzzle

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the major health concern and the second leading cause of death among women globally. The survival rates in breast cancer depends on the stages (Stage I-Stage IV), there by the early diagnosis and followed by surgery and chemotherapy is highly recommended. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery often have limited efficacy and are associated with severe side effects in breast cancers. Thereby, biosafe materials with high potency is in high demand. Phytochemical loaded nano materials are bio compatible, bio safe as a result, that can be explored in breast cancer therapy with least toxicity effect to other healthy tissues. OBJECTIVES: Exploring the potentiality of targeted drug delivery approaches to mitigate breast cancer, focusing on plant-based bioactive molecules (phytochemicals) and their coupling with nano carriers to overcome the different limitations of traditional therapies. METHODS: The utilization of phytochemicals in breast cancer management, known for their safety and therapeutic efficacy, is discussed as an alternative approach in this review. Challenges such as poor bioavailability, short half-life, and lack of site specificity, which limit their clinical application, are addressed in different sections. Strategies for mitigating these drawbacks include conjugating phytochemicals with nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and carbon dots have also been described in this review. RESULTS: Nanocarriers enhance the stability, systemic bioavailability, and site-specific delivery of phytochemicals, enabling them to cross biological barriers effectively while reducing normal cell toxicity. These systems provide a "green corridor" to target breast cancer cells with improved therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing research and clinical trials highlight the promise of phytochemicals conjugated with nanocarriers in breast cancer therapy. This innovative therapeutic approach has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer management. Further research should focus on advancing the development and clinical application of phytochemicals conjugated with nanocarriers to ensure their widespread adoption in breast cancer therapy.