Phytosomes: A Revolutionary Approach to Enhancing Bioavailability of Herbal Actives

Abstract

The term "phyto" refers to plants, and "some" refers to cells, with the combination often termed "herbosomes." Phytosome technology is a patented method where standardized plant extracts or water-soluble phytoconstituents are combined with phospholipids to create lipid-compatible molecular complexes. This process significantly enhances the absorption and bioavailability of the active ingredients. Recent research has focused on developing the transdermal route for delivering phytoconstituents, which is becoming increasingly promising in the context of chronic and acute conditions such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Despite the therapeutic potential of plant-derived products, these often face challenges such as instability and poor bioavailability due to their hydrophilic or lipophilic nature, which prevents them from effectively crossing biological membranes. Phytosome technology addresses these issues by improving the solubility and stability of plant extracts, facilitating better absorption and increasing their effectiveness. By enhancing the lipophilicity of hydrophilic compounds or the hydrophilicity of lipophilic ones, phytosomes make it possible for these phytoconstituents to cross biological barriers more efficiently. The topical application of phytosomes for cosmetic purposes has already shown positive results, and there is a growing market for products incorporating phytosome delivery systems, such as those containing Ginkgo biloba, Silybum marianum, and Camellia sinensis. This review examines the advancements in phytosome technology, particularly for transdermal drug delivery, and compares it with liposome technology. It highlights the potential of phytosome-based systems to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of polyphenolic compounds, addressing the challenges of poor absorption and low bioavailability typically seen with traditional plant extract formulations.