Nanoparticles derived from herbal preparations May represent a novel nucleic acid therapy

Abstract

A significant number of nucleic acid therapies have been approved, highlighting the vast potential of nucleic acid therapeutics. Although numerous delivery strategies have been investigated, and progress has been made in nucleic acid delivery systems, the oral delivery route still presents a significant obstacle. Recently, a novel and promising force in oral nucleic acid delivery has emerged, namely Decoctosomes and Bencaosomes, obtained from the decoction of natural herbs, which refers to boiled Chinese herbal medicines. The active components of Decoctosomes include small molecules, peptides, and small RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs were the first targets of extensive research. Additionally, Bencaosomes have been proven effective in several disease mouse models as artificially enhanced decoctosome products. This perspective summarizes the development and possible future directions of Decoctosomes and Bencaosomes, two varieties of nanoparticles that may open the door to new possibilities in nucleic acid therapy.