Abstract
Self-assembled nanoparticles (SANs) are a class of nanoscale assemblies that spontaneously form through intermolecular non-covalent interactions. SANs can influence the absorption and distribution of their active components and often exhibit superior activity compared with free active compounds or their simple mixtures. Natural product-based SANs can be constructed using methods such as nanoprecipitation, emulsion-solvent evaporation, and solvothermal techniques, and their physicochemical properties and drug release performance are generally superior to those of the parent compounds. However, the stability and large-scale industrial application of SANs still require further investigation. Owing to their advantageous properties, SANs are expected to become important carriers in next-generation precision drug delivery systems, providing new strategies for the treatment of major diseases.