Therapeutic potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles for CNS diseases: advancements in preparation and characterization

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) diseases pose significant therapeutic challenges owing to their complex pathophysiology and the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Introduction: Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDELNs) exhibit intrinsic bioactivity, low immunogenicity, and ability to cross the BBB, making them a promising therapeutic strategy for CNS disorders. Discussion: This review explores the preparation, isolation, and characterization of PDELNs, with a focus on their therapeutic applications in CNS diseases. We also discuss different administration routes and the impact of functional modifications on BBB penetration. Conclusions: PDELNs offer scalability, biocompatibility, and natural pharmacological activity, which make them attractive candidates for CNS drug delivery. However, challenges remain, including standardized isolation, elucidation of BBB penetration mechanisms, and long-term stability and safety. Future research should focus on clarifying their mechanisms of action, optimizing preparation methods, and validating their long-term safety to facilitate the clinical translation of PDELNs. KEY MESSAGESPDELNs are derived from abundant plant sources, exhibit favorable physicochemical properties.PDELNs offer new possibilities for CNS therapies owing to their low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility, and ability to cross the BBB.