considered a class-II compound in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System
[33]. Resveratrol has a broad range of desirable biological actions, including
cardioprotection, cancer prevention, and prolongation of lifespan in several species
[34–37].
1.4 Silymarin
Silymarin (Fig. 1d) is an active extract from the seeds of the plant milk thistle
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Asterceae), and contains approximately 65–80%
silymarin flavonolignans (silymarin complex) with small amounts of flavonoids and
approximately 20–35% fatty acids and other polyphenolic compounds. The major
component of the silymarin complex is silybin. Silymarin has been used for more
than 2,000 years as a natural remedy for treating hepatitis and cirrhosis and to
protect the liver from toxic substances. Silymarin acts by antioxidative, antilipid
peroxidative, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, membrane-stabilizing, immunomodulatory, and liver regenerating mechanisms in experimental liver diseases. Furthermore, silymarin has been extensively studied, both in vivo and in vitro, for its cancer
chemopreventive potential against various cancers [38–40].
1.5 Saponins
Saponins are a group of naturally occurring plant glycosides, characterized by their
strong foam-forming properties in aqueous solution. The presence of saponins has
been reported in more than 100 families of plants, out of which at least 150 kinds of
natural saponins have been found to possess significant anticancer properties.
Saponins (Fig. 1e) are a vast group of glycosides and are widely distributed in
higher plants. Their surface-active properties are what distinguish these compounds
from other glycosides. They dissolve in water to form colloidal solutions that foam
upon shaking. Saponin-containing plants are sought after for use in household
detergents. Saponins have also been sought after in the pharmaceutical industry
because some can form the starting point for the semi-synthesis of steroidal drugs.
Many have pharmacological properties and are used in phytotherapy and in the
cosmetic industry. They are believed to form the main constituent of many plant
drugs and folk medicines, and are considered responsible for numerous pharmacological properties [41–44].
1.6 Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract (GSE) (Fig. 1f) is a by-product derived from the grape seeds
(Vitis vinifera) (from grape juice and wine processing). It is extracted, dried, and
Phytomedicine-Loaded Polymeric Nanomedicines: Potential Cancer Therapeutics
207
[33]. Resveratrol has a broad range of desirable biological actions, including
cardioprotection, cancer prevention, and prolongation of lifespan in several species
[34–37].
1.4 Silymarin
Silymarin (Fig. 1d) is an active extract from the seeds of the plant milk thistle
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Asterceae), and contains approximately 65–80%
silymarin flavonolignans (silymarin complex) with small amounts of flavonoids and
approximately 20–35% fatty acids and other polyphenolic compounds. The major
component of the silymarin complex is silybin. Silymarin has been used for more
than 2,000 years as a natural remedy for treating hepatitis and cirrhosis and to
protect the liver from toxic substances. Silymarin acts by antioxidative, antilipid
peroxidative, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, membrane-stabilizing, immunomodulatory, and liver regenerating mechanisms in experimental liver diseases. Furthermore, silymarin has been extensively studied, both in vivo and in vitro, for its cancer
chemopreventive potential against various cancers [38–40].
1.5 Saponins
Saponins are a group of naturally occurring plant glycosides, characterized by their
strong foam-forming properties in aqueous solution. The presence of saponins has
been reported in more than 100 families of plants, out of which at least 150 kinds of
natural saponins have been found to possess significant anticancer properties.
Saponins (Fig. 1e) are a vast group of glycosides and are widely distributed in
higher plants. Their surface-active properties are what distinguish these compounds
from other glycosides. They dissolve in water to form colloidal solutions that foam
upon shaking. Saponin-containing plants are sought after for use in household
detergents. Saponins have also been sought after in the pharmaceutical industry
because some can form the starting point for the semi-synthesis of steroidal drugs.
Many have pharmacological properties and are used in phytotherapy and in the
cosmetic industry. They are believed to form the main constituent of many plant
drugs and folk medicines, and are considered responsible for numerous pharmacological properties [41–44].
1.6 Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract (GSE) (Fig. 1f) is a by-product derived from the grape seeds
(Vitis vinifera) (from grape juice and wine processing). It is extracted, dried, and
Phytomedicine-Loaded Polymeric Nanomedicines: Potential Cancer Therapeutics
207