Unlocking the full potential of piperine-loaded nanocarriers for cancer treatment

In the twenty-first century, cancer continues to be a significant worldwide health concern that requires immediate and ongoing attention. Currently, chemotherapeutic treatments are constrained by various limitations, including drug resistance, nonspecific distribution, and organ toxicity. These difficulties highlight the need for safer and more efficient substitutes, like Piperine (PPN), a bioactive alkaloid obtained from Piper longum and Piper nigrum, as a viable option for cancer therapy. The diverse pharmacological characteristics of PPN, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer, make it an intriguing natural substance. However, the poor aqueous solubility, low penetration, and poor pharmacokinetic behaviors of PPNs impede its clinical translation. The design of nanoformulations of PPNs can be a promising approach to overcome its limitations, improving therapeutic effectiveness and bioavailability, while facilitating targeted delivery and synergistic effect toward cancer therapy. The current review provides an in-depth overview of the latest developments in PPN-based nanoformulations, highlighting their potential to address persistent problems in cancer treatment and pave the way for their integration into clinical oncology.