How Effective are Key Phytocompound Carrying Polysaccharide Nanocarriers as Anti-Breast Cancer Therapy? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most perilous diseases globally due to the challenges in identifying cost-effective and targeted targets for effective treatment strategies. In response to these unmet demands, much research has focused on investigating the anti-breast cancer properties of natural compounds due to their multi-target modes of action and favorable safety profiles. Numerous extracts of medicinal plants, essential oils, and natural bioactive substances have exhibited anticancer properties in preclinical breast cancer models. Nonetheless, the clinical utilization of therapies based on natural chemicals is constrained by challenges such as inadequate solubility and permeability. Innovative drug delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles are currently being investigated as adaptable solutions to overcome these limitations. Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles exhibit promising biodegrad-ability and biocompatibility, making them suitable for targeted drug delivery systems among the diverse nanocarrier types. Many polysaccharide nanocarriers, including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, starch, and complex polysaccharides, have been shown to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of phytocompounds. This review examines the anticancer properties of phytocompounds and polysaccharide nanocarriers in breast cancer before focusing on the use of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers to deliver phytocompounds for the treatment of breast cancer.