ABSTRACT
Nanocarriers for delivering active ingredients from Chinese materia medica play an important role in improving their solubility, membrane permeability and in vivo biological behavior, enhancing the therapeutic efficiency and reducing side effects. They are promising for extensive research and application. As novel nanocarriers, organic-inorganic hybrid nanocarriers composed of organic materials or carriers and inorganic parts possess the dual advantages of organic carriers and inorganic carriers. They may exert desirable action in drug delivery. In addition, they have been designed to improve the stability and biocompatibility, further increase the therapeutic efficiency and reduce side effects. They have also been investigated to achieve multi-functionality. In this paper, the research and application of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocarriers delivering active ingredients from Chinese materia medica were summarized and analyzed. The development and application prospect of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocarriers are prospected. The aim of this review is to provide a reference for the investigation of new drug delivery system for delivering active ingredients from Chinese materia medica efficiently and safely.