Current nanocarriers in therapeutic improvement of Andrographolide

Abstract

Currently, herbs have been investigated for novel bioactivities and improvement of traditional therapeutic effectiveness. Among them, Andrographis paniculata, with the active component andrographolide, is well recognized as an anti-inflammatory, an-ti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperglycaemic, hepatoprotective, and antihyperlipidemic compound. However, andrographolide has poor physicochemical properties, suffers first - pass metabolism that limits its medical application. In this review article, potential nanocarriers for andrographolide delivery including nanovesicles, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanoemulsions, and microemulsions are presented. Formula ingredients, preparation methods and bioactivity effect investigation for each andrographolide nano type are clarified. Moreover, the im-provement of the poor bioavailability characteristics, as well as the boosting the therapeutic effectiveness of andrographolide in clinical trials by nanotechnology are described. Besides, the broadening in administration routes of andrographolide nano drug delivery systems, including oral, injection, pulmonary, or dermal are taken into account.