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NANOPHYTOMEDICINE AND DRUG FORMULATIONS
RAJATH OTHAYOTH, SRAVYA KALIVARAPU & MAHENDRAN BOTLAGUNTA
Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Biomedical Research, K L University,
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT
Nanophytomedicine is a new emerging area in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine, which allows encapsulating
theactive phytoconstituents of medicinal plants to treat not only communicable diseases but also non-communicable
diseases like cancer and diabetes. Cancer is a deadly disease and the recurrence of cancer is unexpectable, because the
current therapeutic approaches are unable to effectively deliver the drugs into the tumor environment. The non-specific
release of the drug potentially can lead to non-specific cell interactions and they further eventually may damage body`s
immune surveillance program. Therefore, it is utmost important to identify and encapsulate potential phytochemical
constituents induce tumor cell death with minimal side effects. Nano-encapsulated phytoconstituents has shown to increase
the bioavailability of water soluble and insoluble therapeutic compounds by adapting various combinatorial drug
formulations. The present review discusses about the various kinds of drug formulations for the delivery of active
phytoconstituents to treat deadly diseases to human kind.
KEYWORDS: Drug Formulation, Nanophytomedicine, Phytoconstituents, Therapeutic Compounds
INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology is a modern technology and is being used in almost all industry for the development of cost
effective and eco-friendly products. Different nanomaterials containing products are started to available in the world
markets like coatings, computers, clothing, cosmetics, sports equipment, food processing devices and medical devices.
It is mainly due to the technology is in conjunction with multi-disciplinary areas of science such as medicine, electronics
and robotics. On the other hand, this technology is used to manufacture tools for the aerospace research and Mars
exploration. Typically the nano means small size and it ranging from 1-100 nm. The smallest size is glucose molecule
(1 nm) and the biggest size is Herpes virus (100nm), because of their small size they can accommodate and they can be
easily altered at any laboratory conditions (Dowling, et al., 2004). In this article, we address the importance of
nanotechnology in the field of phytomedicine, there after coined as nanophytomedicine.
Ayurveda or phytomedicineis one of the oldest forms of health care known to mankindwhich uses various phyto
compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins and flavonoids from medicinal plants to treat various human ailments.
The flavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides has shown to be responsible for cure diabetes, obesity, inflammation associated
diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer (Yadav et al., 2011). Incorporation of the Ayurvedic drugs into novel
formulation systems is developed to overcome the toxicity issues to treat human ailments in respect to both communicable
and non-communicable diseases (Figure 1).
The activity of Ayurvedic drugs loaded nanoparticles are depend up on the overall function of a variety of
components present in the certain systems (Table 1). Each compounds shows different properties when it was added
International Journal of Nanotechnology
and Application (IJNA)
ISSN(P): 2277-4777; ISSN(E): 2278-9391
Vol. 4, Issue 3, Jun 2014, 1-8
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2 Rajath Othayoth, Sravya Kalivarapu & Mahendran Botlagunta

Impact Factor (JCC): 1.8003 Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0
synergistically. However, most of the drugs possess lower bioavailability and increased systemic clearance.
In Nanophytomedicine research, developing of different dosage formulations with the help of different nanomaterials such
as Nanocapsules, Nanogels, Herbal nanoparticles, Nanotablets, Nanopaste, Nanopowder and Nanoemulsions has large
number of advantages for Ayurvedic drugs like high solubility, better bioavailability, lesser toxicity, good pharmacological
activity and high stability (Figure 2). These formulations are used for improving sustained delivery and protection from
faster chemical degradation. So the Nanophytomedicines have a potential future in the field of modern medicine
(Suri et al., 2007).
AYURVEDIC DRUG FORMULATIONS
Nano-Capsules
Ayurvedic nanocapsules are the herbal drug containing nano shells made with a nontoxic polymer.
These nanocapsules are used for controlled drug delivery at a specific site in a targeted manner. The type of polymers used
for herbal nanocapsules preparations are Poly-e-caprolactone (PCL), poly (lactide) (PLA), and poly (lactide-co-glicolide)
(PLGA). The application of nanocapsules in herbal medicine is because of their small size and high surface area to volume
ratio, and also it improves pharmacokinetic and bio distribution for therapeutic agent by nano particles drug carriers.
They can bypass blood barrier and also improves the solubility of hydrophobic compounds as well as they increase the
stability.
The plant compounds with drug characters can be easily encapsulated in to these polymers based emulsification
technique. The compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and isoflavone are loaded inside the biodegradable
nanocapsules (Yilmaz et al., 2004). These nanocapsules showed good anti-inflammatory and blood compatibility
properties. The loading of different types of Ayurvedic Bhasmas like Muktashukthibhasma and swarnabhasma are studied
with the help of nanocapsules (Kumar et al., 2006).
Ayurvedic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy
The applications of ayurvedic nano drugs in cancer therapy results in targeted drug delivery with enhanced
therapeutic efficiency and also with low side effects .This concept was widely accepted and it has some limitations due to
lack of availability of technology and it may causes risk for the process of validation . Ayurvedic cancer nanotechnology
(1-100nm size range) can change the foundations of the cancer treatment, diagnosis and detection. Nowadays one of the
major leading causes of the cancer, the repeated chemotherapeutic treatment resulted in tumours that are resistant to these
agents. So it is very useful to identify the natural products that targets and multiply signaling pathways as well as growth
inhibitory effects on human cancer cells without have a result in toxicity issues in the normal cells.
In Ayurvedic nano materials, especially the gold bhasmas nanoparticles have unique physicochemical properties
such as biocompatibility and ease of surface functionalisation. The most chronic illness, including cancer, diabetes and
cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are mediated through chronic inflammation. And it has the potential to delay the
suppressing chronic inflammation, prevent and treat various chronic diseases, including cancer (Huang et al., 2009).
Various nutraceuticals from fruits, vegetables, vitamins, spices and Chinese and ayurvedic medicine shown to safely
suppress proinflammatory pathways; their low availability invivo limits shows their use in preventing and treating of
cancer (Zhong et al., 2009).
Nanophytomedicine and Drug Formulations 3

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The Nanocurcumin, polymeric nanoparticle formulation of curcumin is used to treat the medulloblastoma and
glioblastoma cells (Bisht et al., 2007). This curcumin has minimal systemic bioavailability, but its biologic activity and
bioavailability have been tremendously increased via various nanoparticle formulations. The studies proved that
Nanocurcumin has good anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties (Kumar et al.,2003).Beside the Nanocurcumin, the
potential of red chili (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (zerumbone), fennel (anethole), kokum (gambogic acid),
fenugreek (diosgenin), and black cumin (thymoquinone) in cancer prevention has been studied. The phyto drugs like
Taxol, Artemisinin, Berberine and Camptothecin are loaded in the polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of various
tumors (Aggarwal et al., 2008). The Ursolic acid (UA), another poorly soluble natural product, is a triterpenoid with a wide
variety of antitumor activities. The Urosolic acid loaded nanoparticles showed high bioavailability, targeting effect and
stability (Lee et al., 2006). Thymoquinone (TQ), derived from the medicinal spice Nigella sativa, has been shown to
exhibit anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity (Amin et al., 2009).
Nano-Tablets
The water purification Herbal tablet comprised of nanoparticles that can be used by developing world
communities with no access to clean drinking water. This tablet is made with the help of Brahmi(Bacopamonniera) extract
on a small ceramic disk filled with silver or copper nanoparticles that is placed inside a water vessel, where it can
repeatedly disinfect water for up to six months. Nanotablets loaded with ayurvedic drugs are used for controlled and
targeted delivery. The ayurvedic bhasmas coated nanotablets are studied for the anticancer activity.
The formulations in the word 'bhasma' have nano particles in them. It is very surprise for many researchers that 5000 year
old indian medical system had the knowledge of nano science and technology. Charaksamhitha is the oldest classical way
of ayurveda with the concept of reduction in particle size of metals. The bhasmas are used for treatments of various
diseases in ayurveda for the past several centuries of years in the form of nanotechnology .some of the common properties
in the ayurvedic bhasmas are 'rasayana' (immune -modulation and anti agingquality) and 'yogavahi' (ability of drug carry
and targeting drug delivery). They were prescribed in minute dosage (15-250mg/day) (Sarkar et al., 2010).
The Nano Coffee energy tablets used for the production of energy drink very easily. The list of active ingredients
including vitamin C, niacin, Vitamin B6 B12 B5, Folate, Chromium, Guarana seed extract, caffeine (from natural sources),
glucuronolactone, Columbian roasted coffee bean , Taurine, and green tea leaf extract (Nune et al., 2009).
Nanogels
Herbal nanogels are the hydrogel nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 10-100 nm and these nanogels had
proved to be more efficient in controlled and targeted drug release. Ayurvedic nanogels are the most effective remedy for
our health especially for our heart care. It is the fastest and safest way to lose our weight with no side effects, reduces the
fats on abdomen, arms, legs, thighs and double chin. And even it helps for heart tonic, usefull in all heart ailments
(Alexander et al., 2009). The nanogels are made up of biopolymers with herbal drugs like curcumin and natural extracts of
Caffeine, Laminaria and Ivy.This nano gel travel deeply into the skin and act directly on the extra deposited fat and reduces
the extra intracellular water. So the body weight can be reduced with the help of the nanogels. The absorption of water is
due to the presence of hydrophilic groups such as ether, sulphate, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups which are present in these
gels. They also used on the belly, thighs, breasts, and other areas for reducing the fat. And it also helps to eliminate the
harmful material from blood. By this way the digestive power and fat metabolism of body is improved (Mei et al., 2005).
4 Rajath Othayoth, Sravya Kalivarapu & Mahendran Botlagunta

Impact Factor (JCC): 1.8003 Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0
The Boswelliaserrata gum nanogel has been widely used in ayurvedic and traditional medicine for the treatment
of inflammation. The nanogel of 3-acetyl-11-keto--boswellic acid is used for the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic
activity. Recently the studies are conducted in the nanogels with ayurvedic combinations for the treatment of Type
1 diabetics (Kimmatkar et al., 2003).
Nanoemulsions
The properties of nano emulsions depend not only on composition but also on the preparation method. About 20
years back, nano emulsions were developed mainly for nano particle preparation, the applications of nanoemulsions are
being developed mainly in pharmacy and cosmetics .The ayurvedic nano emulsions with a diameter about 20-200nm are
extremely versatile. They were useful in transdermal delivery systems and they are not harmful and non irritant.
These nanoemulsions are useful in delivering drugs to cell culture, cancer therapy and as disinfectants. So they increases
the solubility and bioavailability of the drug.
Nanoemulsion of caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylhanthine), found in tea leaves, coffee, cocoa, guarana, and kola nuts,
has been widely studied and has tremendous potential, since caffeine could protect the skin from ultraviolet light-induced
skin cancer (V. Mailander and K.Landfester, 2009).
Nano Paste and Nano Pure (Nano-Air Purification)
Herbal Nanopaste made up of Aloe Vera is recently studied for the treatment of osteoporosis. This Nanopaste
gives strengthen to the bones after surgery and also will have a long-lasting effect since the nanoparticles are released
successively and thus continuously stimulate the surrounding bone cells (M.Takahashi et al., 2009)
Nanotechnology has the potential to contribute to long-term air quality, availability, and viability of air resources,
such as through advanced filtration that enables more air re-use, recycling, and purification with the help of herbal drugs
(Alexander et al., 2006).
CONCLUSIONS
Nanophytomedicine is the new trend in the health care research. The Ayurvedic nano medicines are the dietary
supplements to maintain good health and they are sold as nanotablets, nanocapsules, nano powder, nanogels, nano paste
and nanoemulsions. Recent studies and research on nanoparticles evidenced that in a number of crops germination,
physiological activities, nitrogen metabolism, mRNA expression and also positive changes in gene expression indicating
their potential for the improvement of herbal plants. The using the nanophytomedicine increases the potential for the
treatment of various chronic diseases to provide health benefits. And also the natural nanomedicines will enhance the
significance of existing drug delivery systems.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Government of Indiafor giving support for the
study.
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APPENDICES
Table 1: Different Nanophytomedicine Formulations and their Biological Activities
Formulations Ingredients Biological Activity
Artemisinin nanocapsules Artemisinin Anti-cancer
6

Curcumin nanoparticles curcumin
Anti-cancer and
Anti-oxidant
8

Berberine nanoparticles Berberine Anti-neoplastic
6

Quercitrin nanoparticles Quercitrin Anti-oxidant
12

Hypocrellins nanoparticles Hypocrellins Antiviral activity
12

Ginseng nanoparticles Ginseng Antioxidant activity
12

Radix salvia nanoparticles Radix salvia Anti-angina activity
6

Silybin nanoparticles Silybin Anti-hepatotoxic activity
10

Paclitaxel nanoparticles Paclitaxel Anti-tumour activity
4

Matrine nanoemulsions Matrine Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
4

Rhubarb nanoemulsions Rhubarb Cathartic and laxative activity
10

Docetaxelnanoemulsions Docetaxel Anticancer activity
Curcuminoids anoparticles Curcuminoids Anti-malarial
9

Nux vomica Nanogels Nux vomica
Anti-tumour, analgesic and anti-
inflammatory
10

Sophora Alopecuroides
nanotablets
Sophora
Alopecuroides
Anti-endotoxic, anti-cancer and anti-
inflammatory
12



Figure 1: Nanophytomedicine
Nanophytomedicine and Drug Formulations 7

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Figure 2: Nanophytomedical Drug Formulations

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