Lombok Medical Journal
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Lombok Medical Journal (InPress)

Translating Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Products into Clinical Practice: A Pharmacokinetic Perspective

Candra Dwipayana Hamdin (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia)
Zaskia Rizky Maulana (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia)
Silhiyatun Mayada (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia)
Lalu Rifqi Azami (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Aug 2026

Abstract

Secondary metabolites derived from natural products, such as alkaloids,flavonoids, and polyphenols, have promising pharmacological activities, but their clinical use in humans is often restricted by poor solubility, limited gastrointestinal absorption, rapid metabolism, and low systemic bioavailability. Nanoparticle- and formulation-based delivery systems have been developed to address these pharmacokinetic limitations and improvethe therapeutic feasibility of natural product-derived compounds. This literature review discusses the pharmacokinetic enhancement of selected secondary metabolites using nanosuspensions, polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, micelles, nanosponges, phytosome-based systems, and nano-sized water-soluble formulations, with emphasis on their potential relevance for human clinical translation. The reviewed studies show improvements in AUC, Cmax, Tmax, half-life, bioavailability, systemic exposure, and tissue distribution compared with conventional formulations. In addition to preclinical evidence, human pharmacokinetic studies on quercetin phytosome, berberine phytosome, and nano-sized curcumin formulation suggest that formulation strategies may improve systemic exposure in humans. These findings support the potential role of nanoparticle and formulation-based delivery systems as translational tools for improving the clinical utility of natural product-derived secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, further studies in patient populations are required to confirm clinical efficacy, long-term safety, and therapeutic relevance.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

LMJ

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Mechanical Engineering Public Health

Description

Lombok Medical Journal (LMJ) is a peer-reviewed and open access journal that focuses on promoting medical sciences generated from basic sciences, clinical, community or public health research, and medical education to integrate researches in all aspects of human health. This journal publishes ...