Nanoparticle-based delivery of polyphenols for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases

Abstract A chronic inflammatory process is involved in numerous diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. Lately, a special attention was focused on the development of new nanoparticle-based therapies to directly target the inflammation and release bioactive compounds with antiinflammatory properties to the site of action. Polyphenols, either as purified compounds or extracts from various natural plant sources, have well documented antiinflammatory effects. The molecular mechanisms which support their therapeutic potential are currently thoroughly investigated and demonstrate their usefulness. Among the drawbacks that limit their practical use are poor water solubility and low bioavailability upon oral administration. Thus their incorporation into nanoparticles could surpass the drawbacks and prove efficient, especially when these nanoformulations are targeted to specific diseased sites. In this chapter, we describe recent advances in the development of nanosystems for delivery and controlled release of polyphenols intended to improve the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.