Emerging Trends in Phytochemical Nanomedicines for Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis Management

Lung inflammation, injury, and fibrosis are interconnected facets of respiratory health. Damage to the inherent lung architecture and tissue scarring resulting from excessive extracellular matrix deposition are the most important characteristics of lung injury and fibrosis. Although the current treatment strategy like Pirfenidone and Nintedanib, is effective in slowing the disease progression, they do not offer a complete cure. To suppress inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis progression, a variety of phytochemical drugs (Polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carotenoids) have been investigated in the last decade. The bare administration of phytochemical drugs results in lower efficacy due to their low bioavailability, non-specific release, and inadequate absorption in the lungs. With recent advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, researchers are highlighting the advantages of phytochemical drug delivery through a nanomedicine approach, with enhanced lung targetability and efficacy. In this review, the role of phytochemical drugs and the current status of phytochemical delivery using various nanocarriers (Polymeric, lipid, inclusion complexes, metal-organic frameworks, hybrid, and lung targetable nanocarriers) for treating lung inflammation and fibrosis are presented.