Innovative Therapeutics: Medicinal Plant-Derived Nanovesicles

Introduction to Medicinal Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles

In recent years, the field of nanomedicine has gained significant attention, particularly regarding the use of medicinal plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (MPLDENs) as therapeutic agents. MPLDENs, which are nanovesicles ranging from 30 to 300 nm in diameter, are extracted from various medicinal plants and have shown promise in regulating the microenvironment of cells and tissues (Feng et al., 2025). This innovative approach combines traditional knowledge from herbal medicine with cutting-edge nanotechnology to develop effective treatments for various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory conditions, and metabolic disorders.

The unique properties of MPLDENs make them suitable for targeted drug delivery, offering enhanced bioavailability and reduced side effects. Their composition, which includes proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other bioactive substances, allows them to interact with cellular pathways effectively, thereby modulating disease processes (Feng et al., 2025). This article explores the mechanisms of action in disease treatment, extraction and identification methods for nanovesicles, the relevance of molecular compatibility theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and the applications of MPLDENs in cancer and other diseases.

Mechanisms of Action in Disease Treatment

MPLDENs act through multiple mechanisms to exert their therapeutic effects. They can modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration, making them versatile tools in treating various diseases. In the context of cancer, MPLDENs have been shown to target tumor microenvironments effectively, enhancing the efficacy of existing therapies (Feng et al., 2025). For example, studies have demonstrated that MPLDENs can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibit tumor growth, and enhance the effects of chemotherapeutic agents by regulating pathways involved in cell survival and proliferation.

Table 1: Therapeutic Effects of MPLDENs

Disease Type	Mechanism of Action	Example Plant Source
Cancer	Induces apoptosis, inhibits metastasis	Brucea javanica (BLDENs)
Respiratory Diseases	Reduces inflammation, modulates immune response	Houttuynia cordata (HCF)
Metabolic Disorders	Regulates glucose metabolism, enhances insulin sensitivity	Pueraria lobata (PuLDENs)
Skin Conditions	Promotes wound healing, reduces oxidative stress	Garlic (GaLDENs)

MPLDENs also interact with various cellular receptors, facilitating the uptake of therapeutic compounds directly into target cells. The use of MPLDENs allows for a more tailored therapeutic approach, addressing the specific characteristics of the disease microenvironment.

Extraction and Identification Methods for Nanovesicles

The extraction and identification of MPLDENs are crucial for their application in therapeutic settings. Various methods have been developed to isolate these nanovesicles from plant materials, including differential ultra-high-speed centrifugation, sucrose gradient density centrifugation, and ultrafiltration (Feng et al., 2025). Each method offers distinct advantages in terms of yield, purity, and the ability to maintain the biological activity of the extracted nanovesicles.

Table 2: Extraction Methods for MPLDENs

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Differential Ultra-High-Speed Centrifugation	High purity and yield	Time-consuming
Sucrose Gradient Density Centrifugation	Good separation of vesicles	Requires specialized equipment
Ultrafiltration	Rapid processing	May lead to loss of smaller vesicles

The identification of MPLDENs typically involves techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These methods allow researchers to characterize the size, morphology, and concentration of the nanovesicles, ensuring their suitability for therapeutic applications.

Molecular Compatibility Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The integration of molecular compatibility theory into TCM provides a framework for understanding how various herbal compounds can work synergistically to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This theory posits that the combination of multiple active molecules can produce effects that are greater than the sum of their individual effects (Luo et al., 2024). For instance, in the formulation of herbal medicines, the “monarch” herb is the primary active ingredient, while “minister,” “assistant,” and “envoy” herbs enhance, support, or direct the therapeutic effects of the monarch.

Table 3: Application of Molecular Compatibility Theory

Component Type	Role in TCM	Example
Monarch	Main therapeutic agent	β-elemene
Minister	Enhances efficacy	γ-elemene, δ-elemene
Assistant	Reduces side effects	Phospholipids
Envoy	Targeting specific tissues	pH adjusters, other excipients

By employing this compatibility framework, researchers can develop more effective and safer herbal formulations, improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCM treatments while aligning with modern biomedical standards.

Applications of Nanovesicles in Cancer and Other Diseases

MPLDENs have been shown to be beneficial across a range of diseases, especially in oncology. They can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents, reverse drug resistance in cancer cells, and reduce the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy (Feng et al., 2025). For example, ginseng-derived nanovesicles have been demonstrated to inhibit glioma cell growth and promote apoptosis, highlighting their potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment.

In addition to cancer, MPLDENs have applications in treating respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders, and skin conditions. They can modulate inflammatory responses, improve wound healing, and enhance metabolic processes, showcasing their versatility (Feng et al., 2025).

Table 4: Examples of MPLDENs in Disease Treatment

Disease	MPLDEN Source	Mechanism of Action
Lung Cancer	Ginseng	Induces apoptosis, inhibits tumor growth
Ulcerative Colitis	Portulaca oleracea	Regulates immune response, reduces inflammation
Osteoporosis	Pueraria lobata	Enhances bone formation, inhibits osteoclast activity
Diabetic Ulcer	Garlic	Promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation

FAQ Section

What are MPLDENs?

MPLDENs are medicinal plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles that play a role in drug delivery and therapeutic regulation of various diseases.

How are MPLDENs extracted?

They can be extracted using methods such as differential ultra-high-speed centrifugation, sucrose gradient density centrifugation, and ultrafiltration.

What is the significance of molecular compatibility theory?

This theory explains how multiple active compounds in TCM can work synergistically to enhance therapeutic effects, providing a framework for modernizing TCM practices.

How are MPLDENs applied in cancer treatment?

MPLDENs enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and help overcome drug resistance.

References

Feng, Z., Huang, J., Fu, J., Li, L., & Yu, R. (2025). Medicinal Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles as Regulatory Mediators in Microenvironment for Disease Treatment. International Journal of Nanomedicine. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S526287
Luo, L., Zhou, J., Liu, X., Chen, Y., Du, X., & Gao, L. (2024). Development of modern Chinese medicine guided by molecular compatibility theory. Journal of Advanced Research. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2024.08.005
Zhang, J., & Wang, D. (2024). Discovery of an autoinhibited conformation in mesotrypsin reveals a strategy for selective serine protease inhibition. Science Advances
Baman, J. R., et al. (2024). Multiple Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysms With a Coronary Pulmonary Artery Fistula: A Case Report. Cureus. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.85328
Yao, C., et al. (2024). Anti‐angiogenic therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer. Journal of Hepatology. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2025.05.013