Research Progress on the Anticancer and Controlled Release of Plant Active Components in Pharmaceutics

Dear Colleagues,

The intersection of botanical chemistry and advanced pharmaceutical technology to optimize oncological outcomes is still underestimated by modern science. While plant-derived secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, exhibit potent multitargeted anticancer activity, their clinical utility is frequently restricted by limited solubility, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability. Recent research highlights nanotechnology as a transformative solution, utilizing diverse nanocarriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and polymeric micelles to enhance the stability and pharmacokinetics of these labile molecules, providing a mechanism for controlled and targeted release. Emphasis is placed on "intelligent" delivery systems that leverage stimuli-responsive mechanisms (responding to tumor-specific pH, redox states, or enzymes) and ligand-functionalized surfaces for precise, on-demand release within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the integration of phytochemicals as chemosensitizers offers a strategic approach to bypass multidrug resistance and reduce the debilitating systemic toxicities of conventional agents. Despite substantial preclinical progress, clinical translation remains contingent upon overcoming industrial-scale-up hurdles, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, and establishing harmonized regulatory frameworks.

The present Special Issue aims to bridge traditional phytochemical knowledge with precision pharmaceutics, fostering evidence-based botanical therapies and personalized treatment strategies for modern cancer management.

Prof. Dr. Zvezdelina Lyubenova Yaneva
Guest Editor

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