Trends in Medicinal Plant-Based Formulations and Drug Delivery Systems for Theranostic Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Increasing attention is being paid to natural compounds due to their harmonious multifunctional effects, low toxicity and bioavailability. Modern extraction technologies allow for the isolation and purification of active compounds from plant materials. By employing sensitive analytical methods, issues regarding the chemical composition and standardization of extracts are being addressed to facilitate their targeted application in pharmaceutical formulating with minimal side effects. A significant challenge in the scientific community is the development of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Limited bioavailability of bioactive compounds is determined by pharmaceutical restrictions and physiological barriers. Addressing the poor bioavailability of biologically active compounds is crucial for their therapeutic effect. The application of solubilizers, penetration enhancers and nanocarriers helps enhance the bioavailability of active substances. Nowadays, natural auxiliary materials are increasingly used, and their potential as carriers and penetration enhancers is being explored in the context of drug delivery systems.

This Special Issue aims to gather the latest data on the isolation, standardization and incorporation of new biologically active compounds into drug delivery systems to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of active substances.

We invite scientists to submit original research or review articles for this Special Issue, which will compile current studies on the biological activity, bioavailability and potential application of isolated natural compounds in drug delivery systems.

Prof. Dr. Kristina Ramanauskienė
Prof. Dr. Liudas Ivanauskas
Prof. Dr. Daiva Majienė
Guest Editors

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• bioactive compounds
• natural carriers
• nanocarriers
• drug development
• phytochemical characterization
• anticancer activity
• bioavailability