Plant‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles (PDEVs): A Natural Nanoplatform Reshaping the Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal and Edible Plants

BACKGROUND: Medicinal and edible plant-derived compounds have held an important position in human history due to their therapeutic effects. However, their therapeutic potential is limited by their inherent poor stability, low bioavailability, and insufficient targeting. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have recently emerged as a promising natural nanoplatform to address these challenges. OBJECTIVES: This review systematically summarizes the latest research on PDEVs from medicinal and edible plants, covering their biogenesis mechanisms, preparation methods, analysis methods, and biological applications. We aim to establish a theoretical foundation for the applied research of PDEVs. METHODS: Recent literature in the field of PDEVs was comprehensively reviewed, focusing on preparation strategies, analytical techniques, and therapeutic applications in various disease models. RESULTS: This study systematically reviews the main biogenesis pathways of PDEVs and comparatively analyzes the technical characteristics of different preprocessing, separation, and purification methods. Through a series of complementary analytical techniques, we can perform comprehensive and reliable multidimensional characterization of the physical properties and chemical composition of PDEVs. A large number of preclinical studies have shown that PDEVs possess anti-inflammation, tissue repair, and anticancer effects, realized through the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: PDEVs, as a highly promising natural nanodelivery platform, can effectively address many obstacles faced by traditional plant-derived compounds. Although considerable challenges remain, ongoing research underscores the potential of PDEVs to open up new and transformative therapeutic applications for the development and utilization of medicinal and edible plants.