Phytosome: Drug Delivery System for Polyphenolic Phytoconstituents

Several plant extracts and phytoconstituents, despite having excellent bioactivity in vitro, demonstrate less or no in vivo actions due to their poor lipid solubility or improper molecular size or destruction in gut. Drug delivery system for polyphenolic phytoconstituents (phytosomes) was prepared by complexing polyphenolic phytoconstituents with phospholipid mainly phosphatidylcholine which bind components to each other on a molecular level. Bioavailability is enhanced due to their capacity to cross the lipid rich bio-membranes and to protect the valuable components of the herbal extract from destruction by digestive secretions and gut bacteria. Phytosomes have the capacity to deliver the standardized plant extracts and phytoconstituents through several routes of drug administration. Only a few natural drugs have been formulated and are available in the market as phytosomes. With wide range of applications of phytosomes numerous studies are undergoing and lots more is expected in the forthcoming years. The techniques used for such formulations are patentable and highly profitable.