PHYTOSOME TECHNOLOGY: A NOVEL LIPID-BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED BIOAVAILABILITY OF HERBAL ACTIVES

Phytosome technology is a novel and patented drug delivery system developed to overcome the poor bioavailability of conventional herbal formulations. It involves the formation of lipid-compatible molecular complexes by chemically binding water-soluble phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, with phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine. This complexation enhances membrane permeability, stability, and systemic absorption of herbal actives compared to traditional extracts and liposomes. Phytosomes protect phytoconstituents from gastrointestinal degradation and significantly improve their pharmacokinetic and therapeutic performance. Various preparation techniques, including solvent evaporation, mechanical dispersion, salting-out, lyophilization, and anti-solvent precipitation, have been developed. Comprehensive evaluation using DSC, SEM, TEM, FTIR, particle size analysis, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency confirms their effectiveness. Owing to enhanced bioavailability, reduced dose requirement, hepatoprotective activity, safety, and wide pharmaceutical and cosmetic applicability, Phytosomes represent a promising platform in modern herbal drug delivery systems.