Biological Nanocarriers of Selected Plant Substances with Anticancer Properties: Current State of Knowledge

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite significant advancements in its treatment and management, the need for new and more effective therapies persists. Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in cancer treatment; however, its limited efficacy and off-target toxicity significantly constrain its overall success. For over 50 years, natural products have been recognized as highly effective in combating various diseases, including cancer, due to their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. The high toxicity, adverse side effects, and increasing drug resistance associated with many conventional chemotherapy agents have amplified the demand for natural alternatives. Furthermore, integrating natural compounds with biological carriers can revolutionize oncology by enabling targeted delivery to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This review highlights recent studies on the properties of select plants with promising applications in cancer therapy and explores the potential of combining these natural compounds with biological delivery systems. It is worth noting that the literature on this topic remains limited as research in this area continues to evolve.