Abstract

REVIEW ON: NANOENCAPSULATION OF FLAXSEED LIGNANS FOR TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY

Vijayasarathi S.*, Ms Manisha M., Dr. Jothimanivannan C., Ms Abinaya M., Sowmiya D. and Bathrinath A.

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Abstract

Flaxseed lignans, particularly secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), are emerging as promising natural compounds due to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular protective properties. However, their clinical utility is significantly limited by low water solubility, poor bioavailability, and rapid metabolic degradation. Nanoencapsulation offers an innovative and effective strategy to overcome these limitations by enhancing lignan stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells. This review explores the current advances in nanoencapsulation techniques applied to flaxseed lignans, focusing on nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions. The physicochemical properties of these nanocarriers, including particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency, critically influence the release profile and bioactivity of lignans. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which nanoformulations facilitate controlled release, protection from gastrointestinal degradation, and enhanced cellular uptake. Moreover, this review highlights preclinical studies demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of nanoencapsulated flaxseed lignans in cancer models, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Challenges such as formulation scalability, regulatory considerations, and potential toxicity are also discussed to provide a comprehensive overview. The integration of lignan-loaded nanocarriers into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations holds immense potential in developing targeted therapies with minimal side effects. This article aims to guide future research by identifying gaps in current knowledge and proposing directions for the development of next-generation lignan-based nanotherapeutics. Overall, nanoencapsulation represents a transformative approach to maximize the therapeutic benefits of flaxseed lignans through precise, targeted drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Flaxseed lignans, Nanoencapsulation, Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), Targeted drug delivery, Polymeric nanoparticles, Bioavailability enhancement, Nanomedicine.