Nano-targeted delivery system: a promising strategy of anthocyanin encapsulation for treating intestinal inflammation

Anthocyanins are natural flavonoids derived from plants, widely recognized for their health-promoting effects, specifically to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). However, certain limitations are associated with their use, including instability, low solubility and permeability, poor gastrointestinal digestion, and low bioavailability. In this review, nano-carriers (e.g., liposome, polymersome, exosome, halloysite nanotubes, dendrimer, and nano-niosome, etc.) were summarized as anthocyanins delivery vehicles to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Recent progress on emerging strategies involved surface functionalization, responsive release, magnetic orientation, and self-assembly aggregation to address intestinal inflammation through nano-carriers and potential mechanisms were discussed. Anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments linked by glycoside bonds have attracted attention to alleviate intestinal inflammation related diseases. Anthocyanins can address intestinal inflammation by exerting their health beneficial effects such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, regulating the intestinal flora, and promoting apoptosis. Moreover, nano-carriers were discussed as oral delivery system for maximized bioefficacy of anthocyanins and to address concerns related to their low solubility and permeability, poor gastrointestinal metabolism, and low bioavailability were discussed. A future perspective is proposed concerning anthocyanin-loaded nano-carriers, different strategies to improve their efficacy, and developing functional food to treat intestinal inflammation.