Botanical extracts represent a rich and sustainable source of polyphenolic compounds with significant potential in anticancer research. Among these, hesperidin, naringenin, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and quercetin have attracted considerable attention due to their abundance in widely consumed plants such as citrus fruits, olive derivatives, and various fruits and vegetables. However, their clinical translation is hindered by intrinsic limitations including poor solubility, low stability, and limited bioavailability. In this context, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic performance of these bioactive compounds. This review provides an overview of polyphenol-rich botanical matrices and focuses on recent advances in their nanoformulation. Various nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, are discussed in terms of their ability to improve physicochemical properties, protect against degradation, and enhance delivery efficiency. Special attention is given to the challenges associated with the encapsulation of complex botanical extracts and the need to preserve their compositional integrity and synergistic effects. Overall, nanoformulation represents a powerful approach to overcome current limitations and unlock the full potential of plant-derived polyphenols in anticancer applications.
Yazdanpanah et al. (Tue,) studied this question.