Abstract

BIOPOLYMER-DIRECTED IN SITU NANOCRYSTAL HYDROGEL SYSTEMS: A REVIEW ON HERBAL APPROACHES FOR ENHANCED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY THERAPY

*Pooja C. U., HariPrasath K, Aswini V.

ABSTRACT

Tissue damage, infections, and chronic illnesses all trigger inflammation, a complicated biological reaction. The development of safer therapeutic options is necessary since traditional anti-inflammatory medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), can induce side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort and cardiovascular risks. The pharmacological potential and decreased toxicity of medicinal plants have drawn more and more attention. In ethnomedicine, Achyranthes aspera Linn., a traditional medicinal plant in the Amaranthaceae family, has been used extensively to treat infections, wounds, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions. Its medicinal properties are attributed to flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and triterpenoids, according to phytochemical studies. New approaches to increasing the bioavailability and effectiveness of bioactive chemicals obtained from plants have been made possible byrecent developments in nanotechnology. Among them, hydrogels based on biopolymers and drug delivery systems based on nanocrystals have shown promise for regulated drug delivery. The benefits of hydrogels and nanocrystals, such as increased solubility, prolonged drug release, better permeability, and focused therapeutic action, are combined in biopolymer-directed in situ nanocrystal loaded hydrogels. The phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and anti-inflammatory processes of Achyranthes aspera are summarized in this study along with recent developments in nanocrystal drug delivery systems, hydrogels based on biopolymers, and their use in herbal nanomedicine. Additionally included are formulation methodologies, characterisation procedures, and assessment approaches for hydrogel systems loaded with nanocrystals. Combining nanotechnology and herbal medicine might offer a new way to create potent anti-inflammatory treatments.

Keywords: Aspera Achyranthes, Hydrogel made of biopolymers, The nanocrystals, Anti-inflammatory properties, Nanomedicine using herbs, Nanotechnology-based drug delivery system.