Herbonanoceuticals: A Newer approach for Delivering Herbal Drugs-A Review

Abstract

Herbs and herbal compounds are of tremendous research interest due to their numerous therapeutic applications. Several folk evidences have been documented in the formulations of the ancient world's pharmaceutical system, which have drawn researchers for scientific validation. Several herbal substances have been found and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against pathophysiological diseases. Recently, attempts have been made to use these herbal components to synthesize nanoparticles for biomedical uses. Green synthesis is the method of creating nanoparticles using herbal/biogenic materials, and it has produced numerous metallic nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticle-herb combination may show better efficacy against different pathophysiological conditions. This review tries to put forward the different metal nanoparticles formed from different herbal resources and their role in health and diseases. Although green synthesis of nanoparticle is an emerging area of research but very few data are available regarding their physiological effects, compatibility and toxicity. This review is an effort to elaborate in detail the role of medicinally important herbs in synthesizing metal nanoparticles, their physiological compatibility and therapeutic efficacy. Further, considerations and discussions are also made on limitations (toxicity) of the green synthesis of nanoparticles along with their future prospects in health and diseases. This review opens door to a completely new dimension in medicinal plant research combining the nanotechnology with herbs i.e., Herbonanoceuticals.