Medicinal plant-derived nanovesicles for skin delivery: A natural biovector for therapeutics and cosmetics

TY - JOUR

T1 - Medicinal plant-derived nanovesicles for skin delivery

T2 - A natural biovector for therapeutics and cosmetics

AU - Coeurvolan, A.

AU - Koli, H.

AU - Lousa, C. De Marcos

AU - Villeneuve, P.

AU - Dorandeu, C.

AU - Sanchez-Ballester, N. M.

AU - Durand, E.

AU - Begu, S.

AU - Simon, L.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

PY - 2026/4/14

Y1 - 2026/4/14

N2 - Medicinal plants, widely used in traditional medicine, contain bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties relevant to skin health. Recently, medicinal plant-derived nanovesicles (MPDNVs) have emerged as natural nanocarriers that combine intrinsic bioactivity with drug delivery potential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MPDNVs for dermatological and cosmetic applications, including the management of inflammatory skin disorders, wound healing, and anti-aging care. We critically examine current isolation and characterization techniques, emphasizing challenges related to standardization, reproducibility, and nomenclature. For the first time, particular attention is given to topical formulation strategies and their impact on MPDNV stability, integrity, and rational for therapeutic performance. Educational sections are integrated throughout the review to clarify complex concepts, including vesicle classification, analytical methodologies, and formulation design, offering expert perspectives on technical and regulatory hurdles. Finally, we highlight the dual role of MPDNVs as active agents and drug carriers, and outline opportunities for clinical translation and regulatory harmonization. By combining mechanistic insights with formulation considerations, this review aims to guide future research towards safe, effective, and scalable MPDNV based therapies for skin drug delivery and cosmetic applications.

AB - Medicinal plants, widely used in traditional medicine, contain bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties relevant to skin health. Recently, medicinal plant-derived nanovesicles (MPDNVs) have emerged as natural nanocarriers that combine intrinsic bioactivity with drug delivery potential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MPDNVs for dermatological and cosmetic applications, including the management of inflammatory skin disorders, wound healing, and anti-aging care. We critically examine current isolation and characterization techniques, emphasizing challenges related to standardization, reproducibility, and nomenclature. For the first time, particular attention is given to topical formulation strategies and their impact on MPDNV stability, integrity, and rational for therapeutic performance. Educational sections are integrated throughout the review to clarify complex concepts, including vesicle classification, analytical methodologies, and formulation design, offering expert perspectives on technical and regulatory hurdles. Finally, we highlight the dual role of MPDNVs as active agents and drug carriers, and outline opportunities for clinical translation and regulatory harmonization. By combining mechanistic insights with formulation considerations, this review aims to guide future research towards safe, effective, and scalable MPDNV based therapies for skin drug delivery and cosmetic applications.

KW - Drug delivery

KW - Extracellular vesicles

KW - Medicinal plant

KW - Skin applications

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105036239192

U2 - 10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.114926

DO - 10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.114926

M3 - Review article

C2 - 41985748

AN - SCOPUS:105036239192

SN - 0168-3659

VL - 394

JO - Journal of Controlled Release

JF - Journal of Controlled Release

M1 - 114926

ER -