Pharmaceutics最新文献

{"title":"Multifaceted Functional Liposomes: Theranostic Potential of Liposomal Indocyanine Green and Doxorubicin for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy and Imaging.","authors":"Wei-Ting Liao, Dao-Ming Chang, Meng-Xian Lin, Te-Sen Chou, Yi-Chung Tung, Jong-Kai Hsiao","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030344","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Liposomal drug formulations improve anticancer treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity by altering pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. Indocyanine Green (ICG), an FDA-approved near-infrared imaging agent, exhibits photosensitivity, photothermal effects, and potential ferroptosis induction, enhancing anticancer activity. Doxorubicin (DOX), widely used for treating breast, ovarian, and liver cancers, is limited by cardiotoxicity, requiring dosage control. Incorporating ICG and DOX into liposomes enables medical imaging, controlled drug release, reduced administration frequency, and fewer side effects. This study aims to develop liposomes encapsulating both ICG and DOX and evaluate their theranostic potential in in vitro and in vivo lung adenocarcinoma models. <b>Methods:</b> Liposomes containing ICG and DOX (Lipo-ICG/DOX) were synthesized using an active loading method and characterized for size (~140 nm), lipid, and drug concentrations. In vitro studies using A549 lung cancer cells assessed liposome uptake via fluorescence microscopy, while in vivo xenograft models evaluated therapeutic efficacy. <b>Results:</b> Lipo-ICG/DOX showed uptake in A549 cells, with ICG localizing in lysosomes and DOX in nuclei. Treatment reduced cell viability significantly by day three. In vivo imaging demonstrated the retention of liposomes in tumor sites, with ICG signals observed in the liver and intestines, indicating metabolic routes. When combined with 780 nm light exposure, liposomes slowed tumor growth over 12 days. Mechanistic studies revealed combined ferroptosis and apoptosis induction. <b>Conclusions:</b> Lipo-ICG/DOX demonstrates strong theranostic potential, integrating imaging and therapy for lung adenocarcinoma. This multifunctional formulation offers a promising strategy for improving cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944616/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Unusual-Site Venous Thrombosis: An Update.","authors":"Anabel Franco-Moreno, Elena Madroñal-Cerezo, Ana Martínez-Casa-Muñoz, Judith Ortiz-Sánchez, Cristina Lucía Ancos-Aracil","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030342","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030342","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as the preferred oral anticoagulant therapy for patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and pulmonary embolism. DOACs offer several advantages over vitamin K antagonists, including fixed dosage, fewer drug interactions, faster onset of action, and a lower risk of major bleeding, especially intracranial. Although evidence on the use of DOACs in unusual-site venous thrombosis (USVT) is limited, their use in such cases is becoming increasingly common. This narrative review examines the evidence derived from randomized controlled trials, and large observational studies focused on the use of the DOACs in USVT, including cerebral, splanchnic, upper extremity, ovarian, renal, and retinal vein thrombosis. In addition, it also provides practical advice for their use in these clinical settings according to the updated scientific literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944374/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and Characterization of a Polycaprolactone/Graphene Oxide Scaffold for Meniscus Cartilage Regeneration Using 3D Bioprinting.","authors":"Melike Nur Özder, Aslihan Yelkenci, Mine Kucak, Aylin Altinbay, Cem Bülent Ustündag, Fatih Ciftci","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030346","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Meniscus injuries represent a critical challenge in orthopedic medicine due to the limited self-healing capacity of the tissue. This study presents the development and characterization of polycaprolactone/graphene oxide (PCL/GO) scaffolds fabricated using 3D bioprinting technology for meniscus cartilage regeneration. <b>Methods:</b> GO was incorporated at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5% <i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) to enhance the bioactivity, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PCL scaffolds. <b>Results:</b> Rheological analyses revealed that GO significantly improved the storage modulus (G') from 36.1 Pa to 97.1 Pa and the yield shear stress from 97.2 Pa to 507.1 Pa, demonstrating enhanced elasticity and flow resistance. Mechanical testing showed that scaffolds with 1% GO achieved an optimal balance, with an elastic modulus of 614 MPa and ultimate tensile strength of 46.3 MPa, closely mimicking the native meniscus's mechanical behavior. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful integration of GO into the PCL matrix without disrupting its chemical integrity, while DSC analysis indicated improved thermal stability, with increases in melting temperatures. SEM analysis demonstrated a roughened surface morphology conducive to cellular adhesion and proliferation. Fluorescence microscopy using DAPI staining revealed enhanced cell attachment and regular nuclear distribution on PCL/GO scaffolds, particularly at lower GO concentrations. Antibacterial assays exhibited larger inhibition zones against <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, while cytotoxicity tests confirmed the biocompatibility of the PCL/GO scaffolds with fibroblast cells. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the potential of PCL/GO 3D-printed scaffolds as biofunctional platforms for meniscus tissue engineering, combining favorable mechanical, rheological, biological, and antibacterial properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Inhaled Dry Powder Tobramycin in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.","authors":"Anne M Akkerman-Nijland, Paul Hagedoorn, Bart L Rottier, Floris Grasmeijer, Henderik Erik W Frijlink, Mathijs van Luin, E Ter Weijden, Peter J Merkus, Daan J Touw, Onno W Akkerman, Gerard H Koppelman","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030347","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b><i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (<i>Pa</i>) is the predominant pulmonary pathogen in persons with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Nebulization with tobramycin or colistin is mostly applied but has a significant treatment burden. Dry powder (DP) inhalation may offer an attractive alternative. The aim of this study was to assess local tolerability and the systemic pharmacokinetic parameters of increasing doses of dry powder tobramycin. <b>Methods</b>: This was a local tolerability and pharmacokinetic evaluation pilot study DP tobramycin of three different doses inhaled through the Cyclops (30, 60, 120 mg) in ten persons with CF, aged 6-18 years, compared to nebulization of tobramycin solution. <b>Results</b>: Both nebulization of tobramycin in solution and inhalation of dry powder tobramycin were well tolerated. None of the participants showed a significant drop in FEV₁ after inhalation. The only two adverse events were cough and bad taste in, respectively, 20% and 13% of all inhalations, compared to 10% cough and 60% bad taste with nebulization. Systemic tobramycin levels were not detected after 30 mg, detected only in 10% after 60 mg and in 30% after 120 mg, compared to 80% after nebulization. <b>Conclusions</b>: Inhalation of dry powder tobramycin using the Cyclops is well tolerated, with no significant drop in FEV₁, and only mild adverse events of cough and bad taste. We found only a few detectable systemic tobramycin levels after inhalation of dry powder tobramycin. We recommend that future studies should focus on the relation between dose and inhaler resistance in different pediatric age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of Polymer/siRNA Nanoparticle Efficacy and Biocompatibility in 3D Air-Liquid Interface Culture Compared to 2D Cell Culture.","authors":"Sandra Noske, Martin Krueger, Alexander Ewe, Achim Aigner","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030339","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Polymeric nanoparticles have been explored as efficient tools for siRNA delivery to induce RNAi-mediated gene knockdown. Chemical modifications of polyethylenimines (PEI) enhance nanoparticle efficacy and biocompatibility. Their in vivo use, however, benefits from prior analyses in relevant in vitro 3D conditions. <b>Methods:</b> We utilize a 3D ALI cell culture model for testing the biological activities and toxicities of a set of different PEI-based nanoparticles with different chemical modifications. This also includes a novel, fluoroalkyl-modified PEI. Reporter gene knockdown is directly compared to 2D cell culture. In parallel, biocompatibility is assessed by measuring cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. <b>Results:</b> Knockdown efficacies in the 3D ALI model are dependent on the chemical modification and complex preparation conditions. Results only correlate in part with gene knockdown in 2D cell culture, identifying nanoparticle penetration and cellular internalization under 3D conditions as important parameters. The 3D ALI cell culture is also suitable for the quantitative determination of nanoparticle effects on cell viability and acute toxicity, with biocompatibility benefitting from PEI modifications. <b>Conclusions:</b> The 3D ALI cell model allows for a more realistic assessment of biological nanoparticle effects. A novel fluoroalkyl-modified PEI is described. Optimal preparations of PEI-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery and gene knockdown are identified.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11946471/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intranasal Administration of Acetaminophen-Loaded Poly(lactic-<i>co</i>-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Increases Pain Threshold in Mice Rapidly Entering High Altitudes.","authors":"Qingqing Huang, Xingyue Han, Jin Li, Xilin Li, Xin Chen, Jianwen Hou, Sixun Yu, Shaobing Zhou, Gu Gong, Haifeng Shu","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030341","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Orally or intravenously administered acetaminophen experiences considerable liver first-pass elimination and may cause liver/kidney damage. This work examined the pharmacological effects of acetaminophen-loaded poly(lactic-<i>co</i>-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (AAP PLGA NPs) intranasally administered to mice rapidly entering high altitudes. <b>Methods:</b> AAP PLGA NPs were prepared using ultrasonication-assisted emulsification and solvent evaporation and characterized in terms of drug encapsulation efficiency and loading, in vitro and in vivo release behaviors, and toxicity to hippocampal neurons. In vivo fluorescence imaging was used to monitor the concentrations of AAP PLGA NPs (labeled with indocyanine green) in the brain and blood of the mice after intranasal administration. The effects of these NPs on the pain threshold in mice rapidly entering high altitudes were evaluated through hot plate and tail flick experiments. <b>Results:</b> The AAP PLGA NPs were found to be noncytotoxic, highly biocompatible and stable, with a drug encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of 42.53% and 3.87%, respectively. The in vitro release of acetaminophen lasted for up to 72 h, and the release rate was ~82%. After intranasal administration in vivo, the drug release occurred slowly, and the drug was mainly concentrated in the brain. Compared with nonencapsulated acetaminophen, the intranasal administration of AAP PLGA NPs resulted in higher brain levels of the drug and delayed its elimination, thus increasing the pain threshold in mice rapidly entering high altitudes. <b>Conclusions:</b> The proposed strategy addresses the common problems of intranasal drug administration (low retention time and bioavailability) and paves the way for effective pain management in high-altitude environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent Electrophysiologic Effects of Sacubitril in Digitalis- and Pinacidil-Related Shortened Repolarization: Experimental Evidence for Harmful Effects of Digitalis Glycosides.","authors":"Christian Ellermann, Carlo Mengel, Julian Wolfes, Felix K Wegner, Benjamin Rath, Florian Reinke, Lars Eckardt, Gerrit Frommeyer","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030338","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Recent studies reported an abbreviation of cardiac repolarization induced by sacubitril. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiologic effects of sacubitril in the presence of drugs that shorten the QT interval. <b>Methods and Results</b>: 25 rabbit hearts were retrogradely perfused. After generating baseline data, hearts were allocated to two groups. In the first group (<i>n</i> = 12), the I_K,ATP opener pinacidil (1 µM) significantly reduced action potential duration at 90% of repolarization (APD₉₀), QT intervals and effective refractory periods (ERP). Additional administration of sacubitril (5 µM) slightly reduced APD₉₀. The digitalis glycoside ouabain (0.2 µM) significantly shortened repolarization duration and refractory periods. Additional infusion of sacubitril abbreviated repolarization duration and ERP. Ventricular vulnerability was assessed by delivering premature extra stimuli and burst stimulation. Significantly more ventricular arrhythmias occurred with pinacidil (26 episodes vs. 5 episodes under baseline conditions, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Additional sacubitril treatment had no significant proarrhythmic effect (24 episodes). Ouabain alone did not provoke ventricular arrhythmias (6 episodes vs. 3 under baseline conditions, <i>p</i> = ns) whereas additional sacubitril treatment significantly increased the occurrence of VT episodes (29 episodes, <i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusions</b>: Sacubitril abbreviates cardiac repolarization in ouabain-pretreated hearts. While sacubitril had no proarrhythmic effect in the presence of pinacidil, the combination of sacubitril and ouabain amplified the arrhythmic risk. The underlying mechanism is a further abbreviation of refractory periods and cardiac repolarization that facilitate ventricular arrhythmias. These findings add further evidence to the proarrhythmic capacity of digitalis glycosides in the presence of other drugs that influence cardiac repolarization.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Cannabidiol for Enhanced Solubility and Bioavailability.","authors":"Fengying Wu, Qing Ma, Guanghui Tian, Kaixian Chen, Rulei Yang, Jingshan Shen","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030340","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aims to develop a solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD). <b>Methods:</b> According to the solubility of CBD and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams of the different ingredients, an oil (medium-chain triglyceride, MCT), mixed surfactants (Labrasol, Tween 80), and a co-surfactant (Transcutol) were selected for the SNEDDS. CBD-loaded SNEDDS formulations were prepared and characterized. The optimal SNEDDS was converted into solid SNEDDS powders via solid carrier adsorption and spray drying techniques. Various evaluations including flowability, drug release, self-emulsifying capacity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), morphology, and pharmacokinetic characteristics were conducted. Subsequently, the solid powders with fillers, disintegrants, and lubricants were added to the capsules for accelerated stability testing. <b>Results:</b> The investigations showed that the two S-SNEDDS formulations improved the CBD's solubility and in vitro drug release, with good storage stability. The pharmacokinetic data of Sprague Dawley rats indicated that a single oral dose of L-SNEDDS and spray drying SNEDDS led to a quicker absorption and a higher Cmax of CBD compared to the two oil-based controls (CBD-sesame oil (similar to Epidiolex^®) and CBD-MCT), which is favorable for the application of CBD products. <b>Conclusions:</b> SNEDDS is a prospective strategy for enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of CBD, and solid SNEDDS offers flexibility for developing more CBD-loaded solid formulations. Moreover, SNEDDS provides new concepts and methods for other poorly water-soluble drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944824/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in Nanoemulsion-Based Drug Delivery Across Different Administration Routes.","authors":"Maria D Chatzidaki, Evgenia Mitsou","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030337","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030337","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanoemulsions (NEs) have emerged as effective drug delivery systems over the past few decades due to their multifaceted nature, offering advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, protection of encapsulated compounds, and low toxicity. In the present review, we focus on advancements in drug delivery over the last five years across (trans)dermal, oral, ocular, nasal, and intra-articular administration routes using NEs. Rational selection of components, surface functionalization, incorporation of permeation enhancers, and functionalization with targeting moieties are explored for each route discussed. Additionally, apart from NEs, we explore NE-based drug delivery systems (e.g., NE-based gels) while highlighting emerging approaches such as vaccination and theranostic applications. The growing interest in NEs for drug delivery purposes is reflected in clinical trials, which are also discussed. By summarizing the latest advances, exploring new strategies, and identifying critical challenges, this review focuses on developments for efficient NE-based therapeutic approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11945362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Overview of the Bioactivity of Spontaneous Medicinal Plants Suitable for the Improvement of Lung Cancer Therapies.","authors":"Lidia-Ioana Virchea, Adina Frum, Cecilia Georgescu, Bence Pecsenye, Endre Máthé, Monica Mironescu, Mihai-Tudor Crăciunaș, Maria Totan, Ciprian Tănăsescu, Felicia-Gabriela Gligor","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030336","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lung cancer is the second cause of death in the world, being the most common type of cancer. Conventional therapies are not always recommended due to the particularities of patients. Thus, there is a need to develop new anticancer therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants constitute a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential in lung cancer. The purpose of our narrative review is to evaluate and summarize the main studies on the cytotoxic effects of ten medicinal plants and their extracts, volatile oils, and bioactive compounds. We have also included studies that reported protective effects of these natural products against chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Studies were identified by assessing five databases using specific keywords. The investigated natural products possess cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cell cultures. Several mechanisms of action have been proposed including cell death by apoptosis, necrosis or autophagy, cell cycle arrest, the modulation of signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt and MAPK), the inhibition of migration, invasion and metastasis, antiangiogenesis, and targeting inflammation. Different bioactive compounds exhibit protective effects against chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Studies have shown promising results. To develop new therapeutic agents useful in treating lung cancer, the plants included in this review should be more deeply investigated to reveal their molecular mechanisms of action.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11945085/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}