Abstract

PHYTOSOMES INCREASING BIOAVAIBALITITY OF BIOCONSTITUENTS

Zahid Husain*, Kahkashan Jabin and Dr. S. P. Singh

ABSTRACT

Development of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) is a new approach for plant extracts and active components. The available approaches for novel herbal formulations like polymeric nanoparticles, nanocapsules, liposomes, phytosomes, nanoemulsions, microsphere, niosomes, planterosomes, cubosomes, transferosomes, and ethosomes has been reported using bioactive and plant extracts.Phytosome is a patented technology that was introduced and developed by a leading herbal drug manufacturer and nutraceuticals. Phytosome technology acts as a bridge between novel and conventional delivery systems. Many products are available in the market based on this phytosome technology which include popular herbal extracts such as Ginkgo biloba, Silybum marianum, grape seed, olive oil flavonoids etc. The Bioavailability and absorption of water soluble phytoconstituents in gastrointestinal tract. This can be overcome by a novel delivery system known as phytosome technology in which water soluble phytoconstituents must have a good balance between hydrophilicity(helps in dissolution in gastro-instentinal fluids) and hydrophobicity(helps to cross lipid rich cell membranes). This is achieved through phytosome technology. Phospholipids have a dual solubility and acts as an emulsifier. In phytosomes, incorporated the standardized extracts of plant or water soluble phytoconstituents was improved into phospholipids to form a lipid compatible molecular complex. These phytosomes improve the absorption and bioavailability of drug. This novel formulation has remarkable advantages over conventional formulations of plant actives and extracts which includes enhancement of solubility, bioavailability, and ability to cross the cell membranes, protection from toxicity, enhancement of stability, sustained delivery, and protection from physical and chemical degradation. Phytosomes are superior to liposomes due to Complex formation ratio of component and phospholipids is 2:1 and 1:1 respectively, much better absorption and stability profile.

Keywords: Phytosome, liposome, phytoconstituent, bioavailability, novel drug delivery system (NDDS).