Recent Progress in Nano-TCM Active Ingredient Co-Delivery Systems for Inflammation-Mediated Diseases

Chaoqun Sun,1,* Ju Chen,1,2,* Shuyou Bai,1,* Wenyu Liao,2 Junmin Chen,2 Weixiong Guo,1,3 Li Zeng,1 Lili Yu1 1Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Medical Sciences Division, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, People’s Republic of China; 2Department o...

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Main Authors: Sun C, Chen J, Bai S, Liao W, Guo W, Zeng L, Yu L
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Dove Medical Press 2025-08-01
Series:International Journal of Nanomedicine
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Online Access:https://www.dovepress.com/recent-progress-in-nano-tcm-active-ingredient-co-delivery-systems-for--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJN
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Summary:Chaoqun Sun,1,* Ju Chen,1,2,* Shuyou Bai,1,* Wenyu Liao,2 Junmin Chen,2 Weixiong Guo,1,3 Li Zeng,1 Lili Yu1 1Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Medical Sciences Division, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lili Yu, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Medical Sciences Division, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, People’s Republic of China, Email llyu@must.edu.mo Li Zeng, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Medical Sciences Division, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, People’s Republic of China, Email Lzeng@must.edu.moAbstract: Inflammation is a pivotal pathogenic factor in numerous diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered significant attention due to its rich bioactive compounds with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Nevertheless, clinical translation of TCM is often limited by poor pharmacokinetic properties, including low solubility, rapid clearance, and inadequate biomembrane permeability. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations and enhance therapeutic outcomes. This review systematically summarizes: (1) the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of key TCM-derived compounds (resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, honokiol, bergenin, ginsenosides, and berberine); (2) the classification and functional advantages of contemporary nanocarriers; and (3) recent advances in nanoengineered co-delivery systems for TCM active ingredients against inflammation-associated pathologies. Furthermore, we critically analyze persisting challenges and propose future directions to optimize nano-TCM platforms, offering new perspectives for targeted therapy of inflammatory diseases. Keywords: traditional Chinese medicine, nanocarrier, nano-TCM co-delivery systems, inflammation-mediated diseases
ISSN:1178-2013