Abstract
Background: Herbal medicines are widely used for their therapeutic potential and comparatively low toxicity. Nevertheless, many plant-based bioactive substances have low solubility, bioavailability, degradation, and stability, hindering clinical outcomes. A nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel has been developed as an advanced drug delivery system capable of overcoming these shortcomings due to its increased stability, controlled delivery, and targeted delivery to specific target locations.
Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of herbal hydrogel systems containing nanoparticles (nanohydrogels), focusing on their formulation strategies, synthesis methods, drug-release mechanisms, pharmacological benefits, and current challenges in therapeutic applications.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using published studies on nanoparticle-based herbal drug delivery and hydrogel formulations. Relevant research on nanoparticle synthesis techniques, hydrogel preparation methods, characterization, drug release behavior, and pharmacological evaluation was analyzed and summarized.
Results: Hydrogel nanoparticles leverage the high water-retention properties and biocompatibility of hydrogels, along with the increased solubility, stability, and permeability of nanoparticles. Multiple synthesis methods have been used to incorporate herbal extracts into nanoscale carriers, such as green synthesis, encapsulation, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanoemulsions. The nanoparticles are then incorporated into hydrogel matrices prepared by either chemical or physical crosslinking. Subsequent nanohydrogel systems exhibit regulated and sustained drug delivery, enhanced bioavailability, enhanced tissue penetration, and synergistic therapeutic action.
Conclusion: Herbal nanoparticle-impregnated hydrogels are a potential hybrid method of drug delivery that combines nanotechnology and biomaterial engineering in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds. Although the experimental results are promising, additional research into clinical safety, manufacturability, and regulatory procedures is necessary before wider clinical adoption can be achieved.