Enhancing the therapeutic potential of Pistacia extracts: a review of nanocarrier-based strategies

The Pistacia genus is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenolics, tannins, and terpenoids, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These phytochemicals exert their therapeutic effects through various mechanisms, such as apoptosis induction in cancer cells, disruption of bacterial cell membranes, and modulation of inflammatory pathways. Despite their promising pharmacological activities, Pistacia extracts face a few limitations, including poor bioavailability, low aqueous solubility, and rapid degradation, which restrict their clinical and industrial applications. To overcome these challenges, encapsulation into nanosystems was extensively explored. This review highlights the integration of Pistacia extracts into various nanocarriers, including lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles, nano emulsions, nanofibers, silica nanoparticles, and chitosan-based nano systems, which were employed in diverse biomedical and food applications. Nano formulations of Pistacia extracts have demonstrated enhanced antioxidant capacity, controlled release, selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and improved antimicrobial efficacy, offering promising strategies for cancer therapy, wound healing, and food preservation. Despite these advancements, key challenges remain, including scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term stability. Additionally, the European Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) recognized Pistacia lentiscus resins for medicinal use emphasizing the need for regulatory alignment of nano formulated Pistacia extracts. This review underscores the potential of nanotechnology in unlocking the full potential of Pistacia extracts, paving the way for future clinical translation and commercialization.