Plant extracellular vesicles as emerging neuroprotective agents for central nervous system disorders

PEVs, derived from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, microRNAs (miRNAs) and nucleic acids. These vesicles demonstrate the ability to traverse the BBB through receptor-mediated transport and membrane fusion, delivering therapeutic effects for CNS disorders, including neuroinflammation, ischemic stroke, and gliomas. Their pharmacological benefits stem from active metabolites, such as gingerols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which modulate immune responses, maintain BBB integrity, and reduce neuronal apoptosis. Despite their advantages, challenges such as efficient extraction methods, standardization, and scalability remain obstacles to clinical application. Addressing these issues through advanced extraction techniques, improved characterization, and optimized drug loading strategies can enhance the clinical utility of PEVs.