Targeting of herbal bioactives through folate receptors: a novel concept to enhance intracellular drug delivery in cancer therapy

Abstract

Targeted drug delivery through folate receptor (FR) has emerged as a most biocompatible, target oriented, and non-immunogenic cargoes for the delivery of anticancer drugs. FRs are highly overexpressed in many tumor cells (like ovarian, lung, breast, kidney, brain, endometrial, and colon cancer), and targeting them through conjugates bearing specific ligand with encapsulated nanodrug moiety is undoubtedly, a promising approach toward tumor targeting. Folate, being an endogenous ligand, can be exploited well to affect various cellular events occurring during the progress of tumor, in a more natural and definite way. Thus, the aim of the review lies in summarizing the advancements taken place in the drug delivery system of different therapeutics through FRs and to refine its role as an endogenous ligand, in targeting of synthetic as well as natural bioactives. The review also provides an update on the patents received on the folate-based drug delivery system.

• cancer
• cargoes
• conjugate
• folate
• targeted drug delivery

Acknowledgment

One of the author extend their gratitude towards NCNR, Raipur and the head of the cosmetic lab, University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) for providing facilities to carry out research work.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The authors acknowledge the University Grant Commission-SAP [F. No. 3-54/2011 (SAP-II)] New Delhi, India, and University Grant Commission (UGC) New Delhi, under MRP Scheme Major Research project, F. No 39-170/2010 (SR), for financial assistance.