Abstract

PHYTOSOMES AS AN ADVANCED DRUG-DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING THE BIOAVAILABILITY AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MILLETTIA ABOENSIS ROOT EXTRACT: A REVIEW

Mercy E. Ugwueze*, Caroline E. Onugwu, Chukwuma E. Ogbuanya, Beatrice A. Kalu, Anthony A. Attama, Nwodo E. Sunday, Eke N. Euphemia

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants play important roles in traditional healthcare systems, and numerous Nigerian plants are used for managing diseases, including liver disorders. Millettia aboensis (Hook. F. Baker) is traditionally used in the Nsukka area for treating liver diseases, splenomegaly and constipation and has demonstrated hepatoprotective activity. However, promising plant extracts may exhibit limited in vivo activity because of poor absorption, inadequate lipid solubility and low bioavailability. Phytosomes are phospholipid-based complexes designed to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of plant-derived constituents. This review evaluates the development and biological activities of phytosomes containing ethanol extract and fractions of M. aboensis root, with emphasis on antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Data were obtained from phytochemical screening, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and experimental CCl₄- and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models. The theoretical framework was based on the phytosome drug-delivery concept, which proposes that phospholipid complexation improves the bioavailability and biological effectiveness of poorly absorbed phytoconstituents. The extract and n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions contained flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics and resins. Fractions and phytosomal complexes demonstrated antioxidant activity through radical scavenging and ferric reduction. Ethyl acetate fraction and selected phytosomes produced significant hepatoprotection, reflected by reductions in serum AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin. The study recommends further standardization, pharmacokinetic, toxicological and clinical investigations to establish safety, dosage, mechanisms and therapeutic applicability of M. aboensis phytosomal preparations. These findings support evidence-based development of standardized herbal products and inform policymakers on regulation, quality control.

Keywords: Millettia aboensis, phytosomes, phosphatidylcholine, hepatoprotection, CCl?, paracetamol.