Advanced Nanostructured Delivery Systems for Brain Tumor Treatment: Merging Synthetic Agents and Phytochemical Therapeutics

Recent studies have highlighted the promising chemotherapeutic and antioxidant properties of phytochemicals, which offer the advantage of fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive and fatal brain tumor with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, effective GBM treatments remain a major challenge, largely due to the restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier and the severe side effects associated with conventional drugs. The integration of herbal-based compounds into nanocarrier-based multimodal drug delivery systems holds significant potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome current limitations. This review begins with an overview of GBM, including current treatment strategies and the challenges associated with drug delivery to the brain. We then explore various phytochemicals and medicinal plants used in GBM therapy and their incorporation into nanostructured delivery systems. Finally, we discuss ongoing clinical trials and the biological fate of nanostructures, emphasizing their potential in GBM treatment. The therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds can be markedly improved through nanocarrier-based delivery. There is a growing need for novel natural biomaterials and their combination with potent chemotherapeutics, given their desirable characteristics such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, accessibility, renewability, and low toxicity. Recent advancements underscore the potential of combining nanotechnology with phytotherapy as a promising approach for GBM treatment—an area where conventional therapies have often proven inadequate.