Nanophytomedicine in the 21st Century: Ethical Dilemmas, Regulatory Hurdles, and Clinical Innovations

Abstract

The 21st century has seen tremendous advancements in nanotechnology and phytomedicine, giving rise to a whole new discipline called nanophytomedicine that promises tremendous potential as an integrated modality for changing the management of serious morbidities involving complex neurological and metabolic health conditions. The chapter covers the intricate ethical triggers that accompany nanophytomedicine—the patient-safety-related, equity-in-access-related, and informed-consent-in-clinical-practice-related ones. It examines the pricier and far-reaching structural barriers that hinder a seamless transition from research to practice and gives evidence of the great necessity for generic protocols, a robust risk assessment framework, and harmonized global regulatory policy. The current chapter includes transformational clinical advancements in the form of nanopharmaceutical products that demonstrate improved bioavailability, as well as therapies that exhibit reduced side effects and improved behavioral efficacy. With regard to innovation, this chapter, as a precursor of ethical perspectives in regulation and clinical advancements, helpsdevelop a holistic introduction to nanophytomedicine within a health paradigm that urges responsible innovation, justice, and technology access.