PHYTOSOMES IN NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Herbal products have shown a wide range of therapeutic benefits in the
management of many health conditions. However, the clinical effectiveness
of several phytoconstituents is often limited because of poor solubility, low
absorption, instability, and reduced bioavailability. These limitations
restrict the efficient delivery of plant-derived compounds in the body. To
overcome such challenges, novel drug delivery systems have been
developed, among which phytosomes have emerged as a promising
approach. Phytosomes are complexes formed between plant active
constituents and phospholipids, commonly phosphatidylcholine, which
improve the lipid compatibility and membrane permeability of herbal
compounds. This interaction facilitates better absorption through
biological membranes and enhances overall bioavailability. Phytosomal
systems also provide improved stability and protect phytochemicals from
degradation, resulting in enhanced therapeutic performance when
compared with conventional herbal extracts. Studies reported in scientific
databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar
highlight the growing importance of phytosomes as an effective nanocarrier
system. In comparison with other delivery systems like liposomes,
phytosomes demonstrate improved pharmacokinetic properties and
distribution efficiency. They can be administered through various routes,
including oral, topical, and intranasal delivery. Because of these
advantages, phytosomes are being widely explored for applications in
inflammatory disorders, metabolic diseases, neurological conditions, liver
disorders, and cancer therapy