The Potential of Nano-Formulated Natural Drugs in Melanoma Treatment: A Review of Pharmacological Efficacy and Mechanistic Insights

Bowen Wang,1 Yinan Wang2 1Department of Plastic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai City, Shandong Province, 264000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Yanti Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai City, Shandong Province, 264000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yinan Wang, Department of Dermatology, Yanti Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xingfu Road 39 Zhifu District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, 264000, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: Melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer; its treatment bears great challenges, hence the interest in new therapeutic approaches is growing. In this review, potential nano-formulated natural drugs from plants such as Ginseng, Pistacia lentiscus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, and Cannabis sativa in the treatment of melanoma are discussed. We discuss various characteristics of nanoformulations, including liposomes and nanoemulsions, with respect to their ability in enhancing drug delivery and bioavailability. Key mechanisms of action including reactive oxygen species modulation, apoptotic signaling induction, immune modulation through TLR4/MyD88, and inhibition of angiogenesis by VEGF pathways are discussed. Although these natural nanoformulations show promise in improving therapeutic outcomes, challenges related to their clinical application and safety persist. Further research is warranted to fully explore how this novel approach can best be utilized against melanoma.Keywords: melanoma, cancer, nanotechnology, natural, plants, plant-derived compounds, mechanisms of action, preclinical studies