Nanoparticle-Based Delivery Systems for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cardiovascular Diseases: Advances and Challenges.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a rich source of bioactive compounds with demonstrated efficacy in CVD management through multi-target mechanisms, including modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. However, the clinical application of TCM is often hampered by inherent pharmaceutical challenges such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and non-specific targeting. The emergence of nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery systems presents a transformative strategy to overcome these limitations.

OBJECTIVE

This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in various NP platforms, including lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic, and biomimetic nanocarriers, for the efficient and targeted delivery of TCM active ingredients in the treatment of CVDs.

METHODS

A systematic discussion is conducted on how these engineered nanocarriers enhance the stability, bioavailability, and targeted accumulation of TCM compounds at pathological sites, thereby amplifying their therapeutic effects while minimizing off-target toxicity.

RESULTS

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems significantly improve the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles of TCM-derived compounds. These platforms enable enhanced therapeutic outcomes in CVD models through improved targeting and reduced systemic side effects.

CONCLUSION

Despite these promising advances, significant challenges remain that hinder clinical translation, including the inherent complexity of multi-component TCM formulations, unresolved nanosafety concerns, lack of standardization in both herbal extracts and nano-formulations, and substantial hurdles in industrial scalability and regulatory approval. By integrating the holistic principles of TCM with the precision of nanotechnology, this evolving field holds immense promise for developing next-generation, targeted therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern drug delivery paradigms.