Oleanolic Acid in Nanomedicine: Emerging Formulation Strategies and Applications

Oleanolic acid, a bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoid found in many medicinal plants, exhibits various therapeutic activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antidiabetic properties. Its low permeability, uneven gastrointestinal absorption, and poor water solubility, on the other hand, limit its therapeutic applicability, and it is classified as a medication under the Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class IV. Its bioavailability has been increased using cyclodextrin complexes and self emulsifying drug delivery systems, among other standard techniques, but these methods have not been very successful. A potential approach to overcome these constraints is the use of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems, which improve solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This review critically examines various nanoformulation techniques for oleanolic acid, including liposomes, micelles, phospholipid complexes, albumin nanoparticles, solid dispersion, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)- based systems. Compared to conventional techniques, these formulations have many benefits, including improved tissue dispersion, prolonged drug release, and resistance to chemical and physical deterioration. The difficulties with formulation stability, scalability, and regulatory concerns are highlighted as we go over to discuss the production techniques, pharmacological results, and data from clinical investigation. Notwithstanding these obstacles, nanoformulations have great potential for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of OA. In addition, this study highlights the need for more research on the safety, effectiveness, and possibility of large-scale manufacture of OA nanoformulations in order to optimize them for clinical application.