Nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds from undervalued herbs: Anarrative review with a bibliometric approach

Lizeth Jacobo-Cruz; Jhon Chilon-Neyra; Gabriela Barraza‐Jáuregui · Agroindustrial science (2026) · DOI: 10.17268/agroind.sci.2026.02.13

Resumen

This study reviews the nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds derived from underutilized herbs and natural products, combining a narrative and bibliometric approach. Nanoencapsulation protects these sensitive compounds from environmental factors, improving their stability, bioavailability, and controlled release. Different nanomaterials, such as liposomes and lipid-based nanocarriers, enable their incorporation into functional foods without affecting sensory properties. The bibliometric analysis identified current trends in formulation, characterization, natural and plant-based compounds, as well as advanced analytical techniques. Native herbs and traditional plants emerge as important sources of bioactive, although they present technical challenges such as low solubility and stability. Nanoencapsulation has become an innovative strategy to increase the stability, bioavailability, and functionality of bioactive compounds, supporting their incorporation into food matrices aimed at the development of functional and sustainable products. Although available evidence highlights its high technological potential, its implementation at an industrial level still requires progress in production methods, cost optimization, and process validation at pilot and commercial scales.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión