Ferulic acid’s therapeutic odyssey: nano formulations, pre-clinical investigations, and patent perspective

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic phytochemical that has garnered the attention of the research community due to its abundant availability in nature. It is a compound that has been explored for its multifaceted therapeutic potential and benefits in modern and contemporary healthcare.

Areas covered

This review furnishes a compilation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of FA. We also aim to excavate an in-depth analysis of the role of nanoformulations to achieve release control, reduce toxicity, and deliver FA at specified target sites. To corroborate the safety and efficacy of FA, a multitude of pre-clinical studies have also been conducted by researchers and have been discussed comprehensively in this review. The various patented innovations and newer paradigms pertaining to FA have also been presented.

Expert opinion

Enormous research has been conducted and should still be continued to find the best possible novel drug delivery system for FA delivery. The utilization of nanocarriers and nanoformulations has intrigued the scientists for delivery of FA, but before that, it is necessary to shed light upon toxicity, safety, and regulatory concerns of FA.

KEYWORDS:

• Ferulic acid
• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-diabetic
• anticancer
• nano-formulations

Article highlights

• Ferulic acid has potential therapeutic activities viz. anti-diabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and so on.

• Mechanism of action of FA for its major therapeutic potentials have been discussed comprehensively.

• Nanoformulations viz. Solid lipid nanoparticles, Nanostructured lipid carriers, Polymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanomicelles, nanoemulsions, nanosponges, nanocrystals of FA have been reported with an aim to enhance the bioavailability, release control and therapeutic potential.

• Preclinical studies and patents have also been presented systematically.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India, for support and institutional facilities.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.