Phytosomes:A Brief overview

Abstract

Phytoconstituents have been used in medicine since ancient times due to their various pharmacological actions. Inspite having excellent bio-activity of plant extract and their phytoconstituents in vitro they have no in vivo actions due to their poor lipid solubility or inappropriate molecular size or both, which results in their poor absorption andlower bioavailability. Phytosomes are the novel formulation technology which helps to overcome these problems.Phytosomes are produced by a process whereby a standardized plant extract or its constituents are bound to phospholipids; mainly phosphotidylcholine, producing a lipid compatible complex. The phytosome technology has been applied over many popular herbal drugs such as Ginko biloba, hawthorn, olive oil, grape seed, green tea and ginseng. This article reviews the recent trends in phytosomes drug delivery.