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Received date : 12-03-2026 Revised date : 23-04-2026 Accepted date : 30-04-2026 Published date : 30-06-2026

Mediterr J Pharm Pharm Sci 6 (2): 17-26, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19930875

Review


Revolutionizing herbal medicine delivery through phytosome technology

Verma Anju, Kumari Saumya, Kumari Anjali, and Sonar P. Kumar



Abstract :

Herbal medicines have been extensively used for centuries owing to their therapeutic benefits and comparatively low incidence of adverse effects. Despite their clinical potential, the effectiveness of many herbal formulations is limited by poor aqueous and lipid solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and inadequate absorption across biological membranes. Phytosome technology has emerged as an advanced drug delivery strategy designed to overcome limitations by enhancing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performance of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Phytosomes are lipid-based molecular complexes formed through the interaction of phytoconstituents with phospholipids, resulting in improved stability, membrane permeability, and systemic absorption. This approach facilitates efficient transport of active constituents across biological barriers, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared with conventional herbal extracts. The amphiphilic nature of phospholipids enables improved solubility in both aqueous and lipid environments while simultaneously acting as a biocompatible carrier that promotes cellular uptake and bioactivity. Phytosome formulations have demonstrated significant success in delivering poorly absorbed phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids, showing improved outcomes in the management of inflammation, liver disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic conditions, and cancer. Additional advantages include reduced dosage requirements, sustained drug release, enhanced patient compliance, and minimized side effects. Overall, phytosome technology represents a significant advancement in herbal drug delivery, effectively integrating traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmaceutical science. Its capacity to improve bioavailability and therapeutic performance positions phytosomes as a promising platform for the future development of safe, effective, and standardized natural product-based therapeutics.

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Citation :

Herbal medicines have been extensively used for centuries owing to their therapeutic benefits and comparatively low incidence of adverse effects. Despite their clinical potential, the effectiveness of many herbal formulations is limited by poor aqueous and lipid solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and inadequate absorption across biological membranes. Phytosome technology has emerged as an advanced drug delivery strategy designed to overcome limitations by enhancing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performance of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Phytosomes are lipid-based molecular complexes formed through the interaction of phytoconstituents with phospholipids, resulting in improved stability, membrane permeability, and systemic absorption. This approach facilitates efficient transport of active constituents across biological barriers, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared with conventional herbal extracts. The amphiphilic nature of phospholipids enables improved solubility in both aqueous and lipid environments while simultaneously acting as a biocompatible carrier that promotes cellular uptake and bioactivity. Phytosome formulations have demonstrated significant success in delivering poorly absorbed phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids, showing improved outcomes in the management of inflammation, liver disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic conditions, and cancer. Additional advantages include reduced dosage requirements, sustained drug release, enhanced patient compliance, and minimized side effects. Overall, phytosome technology represents a significant advancement in herbal drug delivery, effectively integrating traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmaceutical science. Its capacity to improve bioavailability and therapeutic performance positions phytosomes as a promising platform for the future development of safe, effective, and standardized natural product-based therapeutics.

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