The role of phospholipid as a solubility- and permeability-enhancing excipient for the improved delivery of the bioactive phytoconstituents of Bacopa monnieri

Diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease: Understanding disease mechanisms, their correlation, and promising dual activity of selected herbs

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This review explores the link between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and diabetes-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD). It emphasizes the shared pathophysiological links and mechanisms between the two conditions, focusing on reduced insulin levels and receptors, impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage in AD-affected brains-paralleling aspects of T2DM. The review suggests AD as a "diabetes of the brain," supported by cognitive enhancement through antidiabetic interventions. It focuses on the traditionally used Indian herbs as a means to manage both conditions while addressing developmental challenges.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study explores the DM-AD connection, reviewing medicinal herbs with protective potential for both ailments, considering traditional uses and developmental challenges.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studied research, reviews, and ethnobotanical and scientific data from electronic databases and traditional books.

RESULTS

The study analyzes the pathophysiological links between DM and AD, emphasizing their interconnected factors. Eight Ayurvedic plants with dual protective effects against T2DM and AD are thoroughly reviewed with preclinical/clinical evidence. Historical context, phytoconstituents, and traditional applications are explored. Innovative formulations using these plants are examined. Challenges stemming from phytoconstituents' physicochemical properties are highlighted, prompting novel formulation development, including nanotechnology-based delivery systems. The study uncovers obstacles in formulating treatments for these diseases.

CONCLUSION

The review showcases the dual potential of chosen medicinal herbs against both diseases, along with their traditional applications, endorsing their use. It addresses formulation obstacles, proposing innovative delivery technologies for herbal therapies, while acknowledging their constraints. The review suggests the need for heightened investment and research in this area.

Restoration of hippocampal adult neurogenesis by CDRI-08 (Bacopa monnieri extract) relates with the recovery of BDNF-TrkB levels in male rats with moderate grade hepatic encephalopathy

Modulation of in vivo adult neurogenesis (AN) is an evolving concept in managing neurodegenerative diseases. CDRI-08, a bacoside-enriched fraction of Bacopa monnieri, has been demonstrated for its neuroprotective actions, but its effect on AN remains unexplored. This article describes the status of AN by monitoring neuronal stem cells (NSCs) proliferation, differentiation/maturation markers and BDNF-TrkB levels (NSCs signalling players) vs. the level of neurodegeneration and their modulations by CDRI-08 in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of male rats with moderate grade hepatic encephalopathy (MoHE). For NSC proliferation, 10 mg/kg b.w. 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered i.p. during the last 3 days, and for the NSC differentiation study, it was given during the first 3 days to the control, the MoHE (developed by 100 mg/kg b.w. of thioacetamide i.p. up to 10 days) and to the MoHE male rats co-treated with 350 mg/kg b.w. CDRI-08. Compared with the control rats, the hippocampus DG region of MoHE rats showed significant decreases in the number of Nestin+/BrdU+ and SOX2+/BrdU+ (proliferating) and DCX+/BrdU+ and NeuN+/BrdU+ (differentiating) NSCs. This was consistent with a similar decline in BDNF+/TrkB+ NSCs. However, all these NSC marker positive cells were observed to be recovered to their control levels, with a concordant restoration of total cell numbers in the DG of the CDRI-08-treated MoHE rats. The findings suggest that the restoration of hippocampal AN by CDRI-08 is consistent with the recovery of BDNF-TrkB-expressing NSCs in the MoHE rat model of neurodegeneration.

Quality by design-based development and optimization of fourth-generation ternary solid dispersion of standardized Piper longum extract for melanoma therapy

The study aimed to enhance the solubility, dissolution, and oral bioavailability of standardized Piper longum fruits ethanolic extract (PLFEE) via fourth-generation ternary solid dispersion (SD) for melanoma therapy. With the use of solvent evaporation method, the standardized PLFEE was formulated into SD, optimized using Box-Wilson's central composite design (CCD), and evaluated for pharmaceutical performance and in vivo anticancer activity against melanoma (B16F10)-bearing C57BL/6 mice. The optimized SD showed good accelerated stability, high yield, drug content, and content uniformity for bioactive marker piperine (PIP). The X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis revealed its amorphous nature. The attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) revealed the compatibility of excipients with the PLFEE. The contact angle measurement and in vitro dissolution study revealed excellent wetting of SD and improved dissolution profile as compared to the plain PLFEE. The in vivo oral bioavailability of SD reflected a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in bioavailability (Frel = 188.765%) as compared to plain extract. The in vivo tumor regression study revealed the improved therapeutic activity of SD as compared to plain PLFEE. Further, the SD also improved the anticancer activity of dacarbazine (DTIC) as an adjuvant therapy. The overall result revealed the potential of developed SD for melanoma therapy either alone or as an adjuvant therapy with DTIC.

Computational and experimental therapeutic efficacy analysis of andrographolide phospholipid complex self-assembled nanoparticles against Neuro2a cells

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignancies in childhood, accounts for approximately 7% of all malignancies. Andrographolide (AN) inhibits cancer cells progression via multiple pathways like cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial apoptosis, NF-κβ inhibition, and antiangiogenesis mechanism. Despite multiple advantages, application of AN is very limited due to its low aqueous solubility (6.39 ± 0.47 μg/mL), high lipophilicity (log P ∼ 2.632 ± 0.135), and reduced stability owing to pH sensitive lactone ring.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

In present investigation, a molecular complex of AN with soya-L-α-phosphatidyl choline (SPC) was synthesized as ANSPC and characterized by FT-IR and¹H NMR spectroscopy. Spectral and molecular simulation techniques confirmed the intermolecular interactions between the 14-OH group of AN and the N⁺(CH₃)₃part of SPC. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to determine the degree of interaction between various proteins such as TNF-α, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Later, ANSPC complex was transformed in to self-assembled soft nanoparticles of size 201.8 ± 1.48 nm with PDI of 0.092 ± 0.004 and zeta potential of -21.7 ± 0.85 mV. The IC50 offree AN (8.319 μg/mL) and the self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles (3.406 μg/mL ∼ 1.2 μg of AN) against Neuro2a cells was estimated with significant (P < 0.05) difference. Interestingly, the self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles showed better endocytosis compared to free AN in Neuro2a cells. In-vitrobiological assays confirmed that self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles induces apoptosis in Neuro2a cells by declining the MMP (Δψm) and increasing the ROS generation.

CONCLUSION

Self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles warrant further in-depth antitumor study in xenograft model of neuroblastoma to establish the anticancer potential.

Solvent Free Twin Screw Processed Silybin Nanophytophospholipid: In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Insights

Silybin (SIL) is a polyphenolic phytoconstituent that is commonly used to treat liver disorders. It is difficult to fabricate an orally delivered SIL product due to its low oral bioavailability (0.95%). Therefore, the current research focusses on the development of a novel composition of a phospholipid complex, termed as nanophytophospholipid, of SIL by employing a unique, solvent-free Twin Screw Process (TSP), with the goal of augmenting the solubility and bioavailability of SIL. The optimised SIL-nanophytophospholipid (H6-SNP) was subjected to physicochemical interactions by spectrometry, thermal, X-ray and electron microscopy. The mechanism of drug and phospholipid interaction was confirmed by molecular docking and dynamics studies. Saturation solubility, in vitro dissolution, ex vivo permeation and preclinical pharmacokinetic studies were also conducted. H6-SNP showed good complexation efficiency, with a high practical yield (80%). The low particle size (334.7 ± 3.0 nm) and positively charged zeta potential (30.21 ± 0.3 mV) indicated the immediate dispersive nature of H6-SNP into nanometric dimensions, with good physical stability. Further high solubility and high drug release from the H6-SNP was also observed. The superiority of the H6-SNP was demonstrated in the ex vivo and preclinical pharmacokinetic studies, displaying enhanced apparent permeability (2.45-fold) and enhanced bioavailability (1.28-fold). Overall, these findings indicate that not only can phospholipid complexes be formed using solvent-free TSP, but also that nanophytophospholipids can be formed by using a specific quantity of lipid, drug, surfactant, superdisintegrant and diluent. This amalgamation of technology and unique composition can improve the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble and permeable phytoconstituents or drugs.

Preparation of an isorhamnetin phospholipid complex for improving solubility and anti-hyperuricemia activity

To improve the solubility and anti-hyperuricemia activity of the insoluble natural flavonoid isorhamnetin (ISO), an isorhamnetin phospholipid complex (ISO-PC) was prepared. ISO-PC was prepared through solvent evaporation and its prescription process was optimized. The formation of ISO-PC was verified via multiple characterization methods. Parameters such as drug loading, solubility, octanol-water partition coefficient, stability, and in vivo anti-hyperuricemia activity of ISO-PC were investigated. The complexation efficiency of ISO-PC was 95.1% ± 0.56%. The characterization results confirmed that ISO-PC was bound by intermolecular interactions between ISO and phospholipids. Compared to ISO, the solubility of ISO-PC in water and 1-octanol increased by 122 and 16.5 times, respectively. Additionally, the octanol-water partition coefficient decreased to 1.08. Pharmacodynamic studies have reported that ISO-PC has a more significant effect on reducing serum uric acid levels and renal protection. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggested that ISO-PC could be used as a promising formulation to improve the solubility and the anti-hyperuricemia activity of ISO.

Use of Saponinosomes from Ziziphus spina-christi as Anticancer Drug Carriers

Saponins are plant glycosides with different structures and biological activities, such as anticancer effects. Ziziphus spina-christi is a plant rich in saponin, and this compound is used to treat malignant melanoma in the present study. Nanophytosomes can be used as an advantageous nanodrug delivery system for plant extracts. The aim of this work is to use the saponin-rich fraction (SRF) from Z. spina-christi and prepare SRF-loaded nanophytosomes (saponinosomes) and observe the in vitro and in vivo effects of these carriers. First, the SRF was obtained from Z. spina-christi by a solvent-solvent fractionation method. Then, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses were performed to confirm the presence of saponins in the extracted material. Subsequently, the saponinosomes were prepared by the solvent injection method (ether injection method) using a 1:1:1 ratio of lecithin/cholesterol/SRF in the mixture. Characterization of the prepared saponinosomes was performed by FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. In addition, a UV-vis spectrophotometer was used to determine the entrapment efficiency (EE) and in vitro release of the SRF. Finally, cell cytotoxicity of the different formulations was evaluated using a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on both mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) and fibroblasts (L929). Using DLS, AFM, and FE-SEM analyses, the particle size was determined to be 58 ± 6 nm with a zeta potential of -32 ± 2 mV. The calculated EE was 85 ± 3%. The results of the in vitro release profile showed that 68.2% of the SRF was released from the saponinosome after 48 h. The results of the MTT assay showed that the SRF and saponinosomes have high toxicity on B16F10 melanoma cells, but saponinosomes showed a significant decrease in cytotoxicity on L929 fibroblast cells compared with that of the SRF. Our results indicate that the SRF from Z. spina-christi has anticancer activity, and the saponinosomes prepared in this work can control tumor growth, improve therapeutic efficacy, and reduce the side effects of saponins.

Effects of mono- and di-glycerides/phospholipids (MDG/PL) on the bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutrients in a protein-based emulsion system

Lipophilic nutrients are known to have relatively poor absorption, thus limiting their bioaccessibility. Consequently, researchers in food and pharmaceutical areas are exploring different techniques to promote the efficient delivery of lipophilic nutrients. The effects of two polar lipids, namely mono-, di-glycerides (MDG) and lecithin (PL), on the bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutrients were investigated in this study with a protein-based emulsion model system. During the emulsion preparation and formation, the incorporation of MDG/PL was found to benefit the dissolution and stabilization of lipophilic nutrients, such as lutein, and could also modify the construction of the emulsion surface. An in vitro digestion study showed that the use of MDG/PL could significantly increase the bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutrients [lutein, vitamin E, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] by 13.52%, 186.90%, and 36.17% in a protein-based emulsion system. The use of MDG and PL decreased the interfacial tension in all the samples: protein only 20.65 mN m^-1, protein-PL 6.47 mN m^-1, and protein-MDG/PL 4.23 mN m^-1, as well as 12.11 mN m^-1, 1.26 mN m^-1 and 1.16 mN m^-1 with the presence of bile salts. Caco-2 cell culture results showed that, with the application of MDG/PL, the absorption rate of micelles was higher than that in the other groups and this resulted in a 70% absorption increase for lutein. Therefore, MDG/PL can improve the lipophilic nutrient absorption via promoting the affinity of formed micelles to the enterocytes of the small intestine. This study exhibited the effectiveness of MDG/PL on improving the bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutrients in a protein-based emulsion system mimicking the digestion and absorption fate of breast milk in an infant's gastric intestinal tract, thus suggesting that MDG/PL can be used as a technical pathway to improve the absorption of lipophilic nutrients.

Multi-strategic approaches for enhancing active transportation using self-emulsifying drug delivery system

Oral delivery is the most desired route of drug administration and it can be more beneficial for patients suffering from chronic diseases wherein frequent parenteral administration of proteins such as insulin and calcitonin is required. The BCS class II drugs show low aqueous solubility and high permeability whereas BCS class IV drugs suffer from low aqueous solubility and low permeability. Additionally, biologic drugs are highly sensitive to presence of bioenzymes and bile salts when administered orally. Self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) is a thermodynamically stable lipid formulation that enhances oral absorption of active ingredients via the opening of tight junctions, increasing the membrane fluidity, and thus overcomes the physiological barriers like viscous mucus layer, strong acid conditions and enzymatic degradation. An understanding of different theories that govern SEDDS formation and drug release can help in formulating a highly stable and effective drug delivery system. Poorly permeable drugs such as chlorpromazine require modification using methods like hydrophobic ion pairing, complexation with phospholipids, etc. to enable high entrapment efficiency which is discussed in the article. Additionally, the article gives an overview of the influence of polymers, length of fatty acids chain and zeta potential in enhancing permeation across the intestinal membrane.

Nanotechnology-based approaches applied to nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals and food industries are opening to a tremendously upcoming technology in the field of "Nano science". A new prospect has been defined by nanotechnology by conferring modified properties of nanomaterials and its application in the development of nanoformulations, nutritional supplements and food industry. Nanomaterials reveal exclusive properties because of their small size and high surface/volume ratio; thus, they have a complete application in nutraceuticals and food sector. In the existent review article, we obligate to present a comprehensive outline of the application of nanomaterials in development of advanced nano-based nutraceuticals with enhanced bioavailability, solubility, improved encapsulation efficiency, increased stability, sustained and targeted drug delivery, protection against degradation and microbial contamination and with improved pharmacological activity. It also highlights the importance of nanomaterials as nanosensors/nano-bio sensors for encapsulating peptides, antibodies, enzymes, etc. and in the food packaging industry and its future application. Thus, the review aims to focus on the benefits and new dimensions provided by nanomaterials and nanotechnology in health sectors by improving treatment strategies and quality of life.

Colloidal and vesicular delivery system for herbal bioactive constituents

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the present review is to explore and examine the effectiveness of currently developed novel techniques to resolve the issues which are associated with the herbal constituents/extract.

METHODS

A systematic thorough search and collection of reviewed information from Science direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases based on various sets of key phrases have been performed. All the findings from these data have been studied and briefed based on their relevant and irrelevant information.

RESULT

Herbal drugs are gaining more popularity in the modern world due to their applications in curing various ailments with minimum toxic effects, side effect or adverse effect. However, various challenges exist with herbal extracts/plant actives such as poor solubility (water/lipid), poor permeation, lack of targeting specificity, instability in highly acidic pH, and liver metabolism, etc. Nowadays with the expansion in the technology, novel drug delivery system provides avenues and newer opportunity towards the delivery of herbal drugs with improved physical chemical properties, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic. Developing nano-strategies like Polymeric nanoparticles, Liposomes, Niosomes, Microspheres, Phytosomes, Nanoemulsion and Self Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System, etc. imparts benefits for delivery of phyto formulation and herbal bioactives. Nano formulation of phytoconstituents/ herbal extract could lead to enhancement of aqueous solubility, dissolution, bioavailability, stability, reduce toxicity, permeation, sustained delivery, protection from enzymatic degradation, etc. CONCLUSION: Based on the above findings, the conclusion can be drawn that the nano sized novel drug delivery systems of herbal and herbal bioactives have a potential future for upgrading the pharmacological action and defeating or overcoming the issues related with these constituents. The aims of the present review was to summarize and critically analyze the recent development of nano sized strategies for promising phytochemicals delivery systems along with their therapeutic applications supported by experimental evidence and discussing the opportunities for further aspects.

Critical Review of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles as Carriers of Neuroprotective Drugs and Extracts

The biggest obstacle to the treatment of diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS) is the passage of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a physical barrier that regulates the entry of substances into the brain and ensures the homeostasis of the CNS. This review summarizes current research on lipid-based nanoparticles for the nanoencapsulation of neuroprotective compounds. A survey of studies on nanoemulsions (NEs), nanoliposomes/nanophytosomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)/nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was carried out and is discussed herein, with particular emphasis upon their unique characteristics, the most important parameters influencing the formulation of each one, and examples of neuroprotective compounds/extracts nanoencapsulated using these nanoparticles. Gastrointestinal absorption is also discussed, as it may pose some obstacles for the absorption of free and nanoencapsulated neuroprotective compounds into the bloodstream, consequently hampering drug concentration in the brain. The transport mechanisms through which compounds or nanoparticles may cross BBB into the brain parenchyma, and the potential to increase drug bioavailability, are also discussed. Additionally, factors contributing to BBB disruption and neurodegeneration are described. Finally, the advantages of, and obstacles to, conventional and unconventional routes of administration to deliver nanoencapsulated neuroprotective drugs to the brain are also discussed, taking into account the avoidance of first-pass metabolism, onset of action, ability to bypass the BBB and concentration of the drug in the brain.

Novel rhein-phospholipid complex targeting skin diseases: development, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies

Rhein (RH), an anthraquinone derivative, has proven to be a promising molecule for treating several skin disorders thanks to its pleiotropic pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer. However, RH's low water and oil solubility and poor skin permeability halted its topical delivery. This is the first work to investigate the expediency of tailoring a rhein-phospholipid complex (RH-PLC) to improve RH challenging physicochemical and skin permeability properties. The phospholipid complex was prepared by employing different methods and different RH/PL molar ratios. RH-PLC was successfully developed at a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 using a novel pH-dependent method where at a certain pH, it exhibits the highest complexation efficiency (95%). RH-PLC formation was confirmed using FTIR, DSC, and XRPD analysis. RH-PLC showed a significant increase in water and n-octanol solubility. RH-PLC was self-assembled upon dispersion into water forming nano-sized particles (196.6 ± 1.6 nm) with high negatively charged surface (- 29.7 ± 2.45 mV). RH-PLC exhibited a significant 3.3- and 2.46-fold increase in ex vivo and in vivo skin permeability when compared with RH suspension, respectively. Confocal microscopy study confirmed the ability of RH-PLC to penetrate deeply into rat skin. Besides, skin irritation test on healthy rats indicated compatibility and safety of RH-PLC. Conclusively, phospholipid complex might be a suitable approach to improve permeability of RH and other promising abandoned poor-permeable drugs. The proposed RH-PLC is expected to be a major progressive step toward the development of a topical RH formulation. Graphical abstract.

Neuropharmacological and cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst - A review on its mechanistic aspects

Bacopa monnieri (L.) - (BM) is a perennial, creeping herb which is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic to improve intelligence and memory. Research into the biological effects of this plant has burgeoned in recent years, promising its neuroprotective and memory boosting ability among others. In this context, an extensive literature survey allows an insight into the participation of numerous signaling pathways and oxidative mechanism involved in the mitigation of oxidative stress, along with other indirect mechanisms modulated by bioactive molecules of BM to improve the cognitive action by their synergistic potential and cellular multiplicity mechanism. This multi-faceted review describes the novel mechanisms that underlie the unfounded but long flaunted promises of BM and thereby direct a way to harness this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to manipulate its intracellular pathways.

The preparation and investigation of spinosin–phospholipid complex self-microemulsifying drug delivery system based on the absorption characteristics of spinosin

Objectives

The aim of this research was to investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics and mechanisms of spinosin (SPI), and a new dosage form was prepared to increase the intestinal absorption of SPI.

Methods

In this study, the intestinal absorption characteristics and mechanisms of SPI were first investigated using in situ absorption model and Caco-2 monolayer model. Subsequently, the phospholipid complex (PLC) loaded with SPI was prepared followed by a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) technique for developing a more efficient formulation.

Key findings

The results showed that the absorption rate constant (0.02 h−1) and absorption percentage (10%) of SPI were small. Paracellular and active transport pathways mainly mediated the intestinal absorption of SPI. Moreover, SPI-PLC-SMEDDS showed a nanoscale particle size and excellent dispersibility in vitro. The cellular uptake and transportation properties of SPI-PLC-SMEDDS in the Caco-2 cell model were improved significantly. Besides, a statistically dramatically higher oral bioavailability (almost fivefold) was observed following the oral administration of SPI-PLC-SMEDDS than free SPI on the basis of pharmacokinetic experiment results. Furthermore, the SPI-PLC-SMEDDS exhibited certain immunization.

Conclusions

SPI-PLC-SMEDDS could be a promising oral drug delivery system to improve the absorption of SPI.

A novel matrix dispersion based on phospholipid complex for improving oral bioavailability of baicalein: preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Phospholipid complex is one of the most successful approaches for enhancing oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed plant constituents. But the sticky property of phospholipids results in an unsatisfactory dissolution of drugs. In this study, a matrix dispersion of baicalein based on phospholipid complex (BaPC-MD) was first prepared by a discontinuous solvent evaporation method, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone-K30 (PVP-K30) was employed for improving the dispersibility of baicalein phospholipid complex (BaPC) and increasing dissolution of baicalein. The combination ratio of baicalein and phospholipids in BaPC-MD was 99.39% and baicalein was still in a complete complex state with phospholipid in BaPC-MD. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyzes demonstrated that baicalein was fully transformed to an amorphous state in BaPC-MD and phospholipid complex formed. The water-solubility and n-octanol solubility of baicalein in BaPC-MD significantly increased compared with those of pure baicalein. Compared with baicalein and BaPC, the cumulative dissolution of BaPC-MD at 120 min increased 2.77- and 1.23-fold, respectively. In vitro permeability study in Caco-2 cells indicated that the permeability of BaPC-MD was remarkably higher than those of baicalein and BaPC. Pharmacokinetic study showed that the average Cmax of BaPC-MD was significantly increased compared to baicalein and BaPC. AUC0-14 h of BaPC-MD was 5.01- and 1.91-fold of baicalein and BaPC, respectively. The novel BaPC-MD significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of baicalein by improving the dissolution and permeability of baicalein without destroying the complexation state of baicalein and phospholipids. The current drug delivery system provided an optimal strategy to significantly enhance oral bioavailability for poorly water-soluble drugs.

Phospholipid Complex Technique for Superior Bioavailability of Phytoconstituents

Phytoconstituents have been utilized as medicines for thousands of years, yet their application is limited owing to major hurdles like deficit lipid solubility, large molecular size and degradation in the gastric environment of gut. Recently, phospholipid-complex technique has unveiled in addressing these stumbling blocks either by enhancing the solubilizing capacity or its potentiating ability to pass through the biological membranes and it also protects the active herbal components from degradation. Hence, this phospholipid-complex-technique can enable researchers to deliver the phytoconstituents into systemic circulation by using certain conventional dosage forms like tablets and capsules. This review highlights the unique property of phospholipids in drug delivery, their role as adjuvant in health benefits, and their application in the herbal medicine systems to improve the bioavailability of active herbal components. Also we summarize the prerequisites for phytosomes preparation like the selection of type of phytoconstituents, solvents used, various methods employed in phytosomal preparation and its characterization. Further we discuss the key findings of recent research work conducted on phospholipid-based delivery systems which can enable new directions and advancements to the development of herbal dosage forms.