Green nanomedicine for cancer therapy

Nanoparticles derived from various sources have been widely investigated as biological therapeutic agents and drug carriers for cancer treatment. Among them, plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) have attracted considerable interest because of their wide availability, high yield, and ease of preparation. PDVLNs are primarily produced via active secretory mechanisms in plant cells in response to specific physiological and environmental stimuli. They can cross biological barriers while retaining the bioactive components of their parent plants, thereby exhibiting the dual capabilities of drug delivery and biological regulation. Currently, in the field of cancer treatment, PDVLNs sourced from ginger, grapes, green tea, and Brucea javanica have been successfully applied in monotherapy, combination therapy, and targeted drug delivery. This review systematically summarizes recent advances and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PDVLNs in cancer treatment, with an emphasis on engineering strategies designed to improve their performance as drug delivery systems, including drug loading techniques, surface modification approaches, and membrane fusion methods. Furthermore, the potential applications of PDVLNs in precision medicine and clinical translation are explored. By synthesizing current research progress and outlining future directions, this review provides a systematic theoretical foundation and practical insights to support the development of safe, effective, and clinically feasible antitumor nanotherapeutic platforms.