Phytosomes: A promising nanocarrier system for enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of herbal products

• Phytosomes enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of phytoconstituents. • Phytosomes overcome solubility and absorption issues in herbal drugs. • Phytosomes show higher stability and drug loading than liposomes. • Key phytosomal compounds are used to treat cancer, osteoarthritis, and metabolic syndrome. Herbal products have revealed a variety of therapeutic potential in numerous health conditions. However, limitations regarding their solubility, absorption, bioavailability, and stability have hindered clinical translations. Among various strategies to combat these challenges, using phytosomes as a nanocarrier system has presented a promising approach to enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of phytoconstituents. This study comprehensively reviews the development, preparation, and advantages of phytosomes as a novel nanodelivery system, focusing on overcoming the pharmacokinetic limitations of phytoconstituents. A scientific literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords such as “phytosome,” “herbasome,” “herbal drug delivery,” and “phospholipid complex” were employed to identify appropriate scientific articles. Phytosomal delivery systems have demonstrated significant improvements in bioavailability, therapeutic outcomes, stability, and targeted distribution of herbal products. Compared to other delivery systems like liposomes, phytosomes exhibit superior pharmacokinetic profiles and distribution efficiency. They show promise in enhancing bioavailability and enabling diverse routes of administration, including oral, topical, and intranasal. They also have numerous therapeutic applications in inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, cancers, metabolic syndrome, and liver diseases. Phytosomal delivery systems effectively address the pharmacokinetic challenges of herbal products, offering improved bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic outcomes.