Recent Trends and Future Prospects of Phytosomes: A Concise Review

Abstract

Phytosome is a phospholipid based well-turned, self-assembled vesicular drug delivery system. It is an advanced form of herbal preparation that includes bioactive phytoconstituents of herbal extract surrounded and tied by a lipid. The phospholipid’s molecular structure is composed of a head that is water-soluble and two tails that are fat-soluble. As a result of their dual solubility, the phospholipids function as an efficient emulsifier and act as a key component of our cell's membranes. Phytosomes are created with standardized plant extracts or phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and xanthones, complexed with phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine. It exhibits significantly improved absorption profiles after oral administration due to enhanced lipid solubility that allows them to cross biological membranes, increasing their bioavailability. This article briefs about an updated overview of therapeutic potentials, patented technologies and recent formulations of phytosome drug delivery systems. The current review also highlights commercial availability, recent advanced research, and landmarks in the development of phytosomes and phytosome technology.