Emerging role of herbal nanogel formulations in skin cancer therapy: mechanistic insights and translational advances in nanomedicine

OBJECTIVE: Skin cancer remains a major global health concern, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies that enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This review aims to explore the emerging role of herbal nanogels as a promising nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for skin cancer therapy. METHODS: A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted focusing on nanogel-based drug delivery systems, herbal bioactive compounds, and stimulus-responsive nanotechnology approaches for cancer treatment, particularly skin cancer. RESULTS: Nanogels, defined as crosslinked nanoscale polymeric networks, have gained significant attention due to their high drug-loading capacity, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to respond to various internal and external stimuli. They can be synthesized using techniques such as emulsion methods, micro-molding, and photolithography, allowing precise control over size and morphology. Advanced stimulus-responsive nanogels, including tumor microenvironment-sensitive and ligand-targeted systems (e.g., LHRH-targeted nanogels), enable controlled and site-specific drug release. Recent developments in herbal nanogels integrate plant-derived bioactive compounds within nanogel matrices, enhancing solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficiency against skin cancer. DISCUSSION: Herbal nanogels represent a promising interdisciplinary approach combining nanotechnology and phytomedicine, offering targeted, less invasive, and potentially more effective treatment options for skin cancer. Despite significant progress, challenges such as clinical translation, large-scale production, and long-term safety evaluation remain. Continued research in smart and multifunctional nanogel systems may significantly advance future skin cancer therapies.