Accessible and Effective Nanomedicines: Self-Assembly Products From Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs)

Abstract

The emergence of nanotechnology has significantly promoted the development of the medical field, and the development of nanomedicines has broadened the application potential of existing drugs. However, at present, many new types of nanomedicines suffer from poor stability, uncertain safety, complex preparation processes, and high costs. The development of nano- Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) has provided new ideas for the application of nanomedicines. Nano-CHMs are simple to prepare, easily accessible, and possess stable and reliable safety. This review highlighted nanoparticles with pharmacological activities are the important material basis for CHM formula decoctions. Given the complex composition of CHM formulas, the article further presented the nanoaggregates and exosome-like vesicle nanostructures in single herbs, and self-assembly effect of natural compounds. For the first time, this article systematically introduced the composition and characteristics of nanoparticles from CHM formulas to single herbs and then to natural compounds, from nano-aggregates with unclear components to exosome-like vesicle structures and then to self-assembled structures of supramolecular materials. It also summarized the problems to be solved in the research of CHMs nanoparticles and the potential for further applications, aiming to provide guidance for the modernization of CHMs -related nanoparticles.