Nano-enabled improvements in medicinal and aromatic plants productivity

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are valued for their rich repertoire of bioactive compounds with widespread use in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the food industry. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the cultivation, productivity, and phytochemical quality of these plants. This review brings together current findings on nano-enabled approaches, including nanofertilizers, nano pesticides, and nanoparticles (NPs) that contribute to improved growth performance and secondary metabolite production. Both in vivo and in vitro studies are examined to evaluate the effects of metallic, non-metallic, and composite NPs. Findings indicate that nanomaterials, including iron, zinc, copper, and titanium dioxide, significantly improve biomass accumulation, essential oil yield, and metabolite content in various MAP species. NPs also play a crucial role in the enhancement of stress resilience by modulating physiological and biochemical processes and by interacting with antioxidant defense mechanisms, particularly through the efficient scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro experiments further demonstrate that nanoparticle supplementation can lead to substantial increases in metabolite biosynthesis. Collectively, the reviewed literature underscores the potential of nanotechnology to support sustainable and high-quality MAP production. Nevertheless, the need for standardized nanoformulations and comprehensive long-term safety assessments under field conditions remains critical for their broader adoption in commercial cultivation.