A Review on Phytochemical-Based Nano-systems for the Management of Ovarian Cancer

Review article

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the primary cause of gynecological cancer mortality due to delayed clinical presentation and the persistent emergence of multidrug resistance. Traditional platinum-taxane regimens often demonstrate limited efficacy in advanced stages, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic modalities. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin, possess potent antineoplastic properties but are restricted by poor aqueous solubility and rapid metabolic clearance. Integration with nanotechnology facilitates the creation of sophisticated delivery platforms, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanostructures, which enhance the pharmacokinetic profile and tumor-specific accumulation of these phytochemicals. These nano-enabled systems modulate critical oncogenic signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, and NF-κB, while inducing programmed cell death through mitochondrial-mediated and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Beyond delivery, green synthesis techniques utilize plant extracts to fabricate metallic nanoparticles with intrinsic biological activity. Current evidence indicates that these formulations achieve superior therapeutic indices and effectively bypass efflux pump-mediated resistance. Despite significant preclinical success, clinical translation is governed by challenges in standardization, large-scale manufacturing, and the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks for botanical nanomedicines. These systems offer a pathway to improve survival rates and reduce systemic toxicity in patients with epithelial ovarian malignancies