Abstract

Dr. C. Sadak Vali*, Abdullah Khan, Mare Pratibha Bharathi, S. Siva Prasad, S. Mohammed Yusuf, Asma Khanam and B. Nageswara Naik

ABSTRACT

Phytosome technology as a novel delivery system utilizes water soluble phytoconstituents and phospholipids for drug delivery. “Phyto” means plants and “some” resembles a covering around/or a structure over the substance. Phytosomes are prepared by reacting one or two polyphenolic phytoconstituents and phospholipids in 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. Phytosomes acts as a bridge between novel and traditional drug delivery systems. Poor solubility of phytoconstituents and polyphenolic compound is barrier for their absorption and bioavailability of several phytoconstituents. Phytosomal technology can overcome the solubility problems of phytoconstituents and increases the bioavailability and absorption of water soluble phytoconstituents. Phospholipid improves both hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of phytoconstituents and hence acts as emulsifiers. Hydrophilicity (helps in dissolution of phytoconstituents in gastro-intestinal fluids) and hydrophobicity (helps phytoconstituents to cross lipid rich cell membranes) are required for better absorption and bioavailability of natural phytoconstituents. For passage of drugs through acidic and basic environment before being get absorbed into systemic circulation the DDS must have optimum water and lipid solubility. Phytosomal preparations of Olive oil, Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed and Silybum are available in the market. The current review highlights the potential scope and emerging technologies in the field of NDDS for the benefit of herbal and traditional medicines prepared from plant origins. This review covers the preparation techniques employed for phytosome preparation, advantages, applications and characterization techniques employed for phytosomal evaluation.