Phytoconstituents-based nanoformulations for neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are assorted clusters of ailments marked by the developing degeneration of the composition and activity of the central or peripheral nervous system (CNS). One of the major hindrances that constrain the progress of effective medications for the management of neurodegenerative disorders is the selective property of the blood–brain barrier, which averts infiltration of a large number of CNS drugs through brain. Consequently, only less than 5% of active ingredients are able to enter the brain. Moreover, in order to reach satisfactory therapeutic efficacy in brain, the drugs have to be administered in high doses resulting in severe peripheral side effects. In order to overcome such limitations, advancement in research on colloidal delivery systems is evident that attains the benefits of particle size reduction, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid NPs, metal nanoparticles-based carriers, cubosomes and emulsions, and, very recently, magnetic nanoparticles. Ascertaining the therapeutic efficacy of plant-based bioactive compounds with amalgamation of nanotechnology-based approach is trending, which also exhibits the benefit of lessening side effects. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to discuss all the recent information, viz., formulation, characterization, benefits, and future trends on nanoformulations that consist of various plant-based bioactive compounds, researched and developed for the mitigation of neurodegenerative disorders.