Nanocarrier-based Delivery Technologies for Herbal Medicines in Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that has substantial global morbidity and mortality rates. Although there are numerous diabetes treatments that can be performed with herbs, a lack of solubility, low bioavailability, and instability are common factors that limit the use of herbs in diabetes treatment. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have been proven to enhance the delivery and efficacy of herbal bioactive substances, particularly lipid-based and polymeric nanocarriers. In this systematic review, the effectiveness of using nanocarriers to improve the therapeutic outcomes of diabetes treatment with herbal medicine was examined. A search of the literature was performed systematically in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases to find studies published between 2016 and 2026. The studies were chosen as per PRISMA guidelines. Original studies on herbal formulations in diabetic models using nanotechnology were also included. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Lipid-based and polymeric nanocarriers were shown to significantly improve glycaemic indices, lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory indicators. Polymeric systems provided a longer release of drugs, whereas lipid-based solutions enhanced bioavailability and absorption. Mechanistically, these systems exhibited protective effects on pancreatic β -cells and other tissues by regulating key signaling pathways that include AMPK, PI3K/Akt, GLUT-4, and NF-κB. Despite the preclinical nature of most data available, nanocarrier-based herbal delivery systems have promising antidiabetic prospects. To realize successful clinical translation, additional clinical research, and standardization of nanoparticle formulations are needed.