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Sardarabadi H, Darvishi MH, Zohrab F, Javadi H. Nanophytomedicine: A promising practical approach in phytotherapy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3607-3644. [PMID: 38725270 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The long and rich history of herbal therapeutic nutrients is fascinating. It is incredible to think about how ancient civilizations used plants and herbs to treat various ailments and diseases. One group of bioactive phytochemicals that has gained significant attention recently is dietary polyphenols. These compounds are commonly found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, drinks, legumes, and grains. Despite their incredible therapeutic properties, one challenge with polyphenols is their poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This means that they are not easily absorbed by the body when consumed in essential diets. Because of structural complexity, polyphenols with high molecular weight cannot be absorbed in the small intestine and after arriving in the colon, they are metabolized by gut microbiota. However, researchers are constantly working on finding solutions to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of these compounds. This study aims to address this issue by applying nanotechnology approaches to overcome the challenges of the therapeutic application of dietary polyphenols. This combination of nanotechnology and phytochemicals could cause a completely new field called nanophytomedicine or herbal nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Sardarabadi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Darvishi
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zohrab
- Department of Medical Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Javadi
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jalili A, Bagherifar R, Nokhodchi A, Conway B, Javadzadeh Y. Current Advances in Nanotechnology-Mediated Delivery of Herbal and Plant-Derived Medicines. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:712-722. [PMID: 38022806 PMCID: PMC10676547 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytomedicine has been used by humans since ancient times to treat a variety of diseases. However, herbal medicines face significant challenges, including poor water and lipid solubility and instability, which lead to low bioavailability and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Recently, it has been shown that nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are appropriate to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. The present review study first discusses herbal medicines and the challenges involved in the formulation of these drugs. The different types of nano-based drug delivery systems used in herbal delivery and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy are summarized, and common techniques for preparing nanocarriers used in herbal drug delivery are also discussed. Finally, a list of nanophyto medicines that have entered clinical trials since 2010, as well as those that the FDA has approved, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Jalili
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus
| | - Rafieh Bagherifar
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Arundel Building, Brighton BNI 9QJ, UK
- Lupin Research Center, Coral Springs, Florida, USA
| | - Barbara Conway
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Yousef Javadzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
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Barboza ADS, Ribeiro de Andrade JS, Ferreira ML, Peña CLD, da Costa JS, Fajardo AR, Lund RG. Propolis Controlled Delivery Systems for Oral Therapeutics in Dental Medicine: A Systematic Review. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:162. [PMID: 37504228 PMCID: PMC10378523 DOI: 10.3390/dj11070162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review synthesizes the existing evidence in the literature regarding the association of propolis with controlled delivery systems (DDSs) and its potential therapeutic action in dental medicine. Two independent reviewers performed a literature search up to 1 June 2023 in five databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase, to identify the eligible studies. Clinical, in situ, and in vitro studies that investigated the incorporation of propolis as the main agent in DDSs for dental medicine were included in this study. Review articles, clinical cases, theses, dissertations, conference abstracts, and studies that had no application in dentistry were excluded. A total of 2019 records were initially identified. After carefully examining 21 full-text articles, 12 in vitro studies, 4 clinical, 1 animal model, and 3 in vivo and in vitro studies were included (n = 21). Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed qualitatively. The use of propolis has been reported in cariology, endodontics, periodontics, stomatology, and dental implants. Propolis has shown non-cytotoxic, osteoinductive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, propolis can be released from DDS for prolonged periods, presenting biocompatibility, safety, and potential advantage for applications in dental medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa da Silva Barboza
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pelotas Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Gonçalves Chaves Street, 457/Rm 702-3, Downtown Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana Silva Ribeiro de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pelotas Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Gonçalves Chaves Street, 457/Rm 702-3, Downtown Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, RS, Brazil
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Av. Delfino Conti, s/n-Trindade, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Monika Lamas Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pelotas Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Gonçalves Chaves Street, 457/Rm 702-3, Downtown Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, RS, Brazil
| | - Carla Lucía David Peña
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pelotas Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Gonçalves Chaves Street, 457/Rm 702-3, Downtown Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliê Silveira da Costa
- Laboratory of Technology and Development of Composites and Polymeric Materials (LaCoPol), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - André Ricardo Fajardo
- Laboratory of Technology and Development of Composites and Polymeric Materials (LaCoPol), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Guerra Lund
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pelotas Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Gonçalves Chaves Street, 457/Rm 702-3, Downtown Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, RS, Brazil
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Nsairat H, Lafi Z, Al-Sulaibi M, Gharaibeh L, Alshaer W. Impact of nanotechnology on the oral delivery of phyto-bioactive compounds. Food Chem 2023; 424:136438. [PMID: 37244187 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology is an advanced field that has remarkable nutraceutical and food applications. Phyto-bioactive compounds (PBCs) play critical roles in promoting health and disease treatment. However, PBCs generally encounter several limitations that delay their widespread application. For example, most PBCs have low aqueous solubility, poor biostability, poor bioavailability, and a lack of target specificity. Moreover, the high concentrations of effective PBC doses also limit their application. As a result, encapsulating PBCs into an appropriate nanocarrier may increase their solubility and biostability and protect them from premature degradation. Moreover, nanoencapsulation could improve absorption and prolong circulation with a high opportunity for targeted delivery that may decrease unwanted toxicity. This review addresses the main parameters, variables, and barriers that control and affect oral PBC delivery. Moreover, this review discusses the potential role of biocompatible and biodegradable nanocarriers in improving the water solubility, chemical stability, bioavailability, and specificity/selectivity of PBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamdi Nsairat
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan.
| | - Zainab Lafi
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Mazen Al-Sulaibi
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Lobna Gharaibeh
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Walhan Alshaer
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
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Nanoscale Delivery Systems of Lutein: An Updated Review from a Pharmaceutical Perspective. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091852. [PMID: 36145601 PMCID: PMC9501598 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotenoids are natural lipid-soluble pigments that produce yellow to red colors in plants as well as providing bright coloration in vegetables and fruits. Lutein belongs to the xanthophyll subgroup of the carotenoid family, which plays an essential role in photosynthesis and photoprotection in nature. In the human body, lutein, together with its isomer zeaxanthin and its metabolite meso-zeaxanthin, accumulates in the macula of the eye retina, which is responsible for central, high-resolution, and color vision. As a bioactive phytochemical, lutein has essential physiological functions, providing photoprotection against damaging blue light, along with the neutralization of oxidants and the preservation of the structural and functional integrity of cellular membranes. As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, lutein unfortunately has a low bioavailability because of its lipophilicity and a low stability as a result of its conjugated double bonds. In order to enhance lutein stability and bioavailability and achieve its controlled delivery to a target, nanoscale delivery systems, which have great potential for the delivery of bioactive compounds, are starting to be employed. The current review highlights the advantages and innovations associated with incorporating lutein within promising nanoscale delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymer nanoparticles, and polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles, as well as their unique physiochemical properties.
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Wal A, Vig H, Mishra M, Singh R, Rathore S, Tyagi S, Kalita J, Wal P. Phytoniosomes: A Phytoplankton-Derived System for Targeted Drug Delivery. PHARMACOPHORE 2022. [DOI: 10.51847/da4mxlsbjr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Sharma M, Grewal K, Jandrotia R, Batish DR, Singh HP, Kohli RK. Essential oils as anticancer agents: Potential role in malignancies, drug delivery mechanisms, and immune system enhancement. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112514. [PMID: 34963087 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer retains a central place in fatality rates among the wide variety of diseases known world over, and the conventional synthetic medicaments, albeit used until now, produce numerous side effects. As a result, newer, better, and safer alternatives such as natural plant products, are gravely required. Essential oils (EOs) offer a plethora of bioactivities including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, therefore, the use of EOs in combination with synthetic drugs or aromatherapy continues to be popular in many settings. In view of the paramount importance of EOs and their potential bioactivities, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the interconnection between EOs and cancer treatment. In particular, the current review presents an updated summary of the chemical composition of EOs, their current applications in cancer treatments based on clinical studies, and the mechanism of action against the cancer cell lines. Similarly, an overview of using EOs in aromatherapy and enhancing immunity during cancer treatment is provided. Further, this review focuses on the recent technological advancements such as the loading of EOs using protein microspheres, ligands, or nanoemulsions/nanoencapsulation, which offer multiple benefits in cancer treatment via site-specific and target-oriented delivery of drugs. The continuing clinical studies of EOs implicate that their pharmacological applications are a rewarding research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Sharma
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India
| | - Kamaljit Grewal
- Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India
| | - Rupali Jandrotia
- Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India
| | | | - Harminder Pal Singh
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India.
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Pandey R, Bhairam M, Shukla SS, Gidwani B. Colloidal and vesicular delivery system for herbal bioactive constituents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 29:415-438. [PMID: 34327650 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-021-00403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Pandey
- Columbia Institute of Pharmacy Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
| | - Monika Bhairam
- Columbia Institute of Pharmacy Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | | | - Bina Gidwani
- Columbia Institute of Pharmacy Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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Hussain Y, Mirzaei S, Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Hushmandi K, Khan H, Daglia M. Quercetin and Its Nano-Scale Delivery Systems in Prostate Cancer Therapy: Paving the Way for Cancer Elimination and Reversing Chemoresistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1602. [PMID: 33807174 PMCID: PMC8036441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most leading and prevalent malignancy around the world, following lung cancer. Prostate cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer morbidity and mortality have grown drastically, and intensive prostate cancer care is unlikely to produce adequate outcomes. The synthetic drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer in clinical practice face several challenges. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Apart from its beneficial effects, its plays a key role as an anti-cancer agent. Quercetin has shown anticancer potential, both alone and in combination. Therefore, the current study was designed to collect information from the literature regarding its therapeutic significance in the treatment of prostate cancer. Studies performed both in vitro and in vivo have confirmed that quercetin effectively prevents prostate cancer through different underlying mechanisms. Promising findings have also been achieved in clinical trials regarding the pharmacokinetics and human applications of quercetin. In the meantime, epidemiological studies have shown a negative correlation between the consumption of quercetin and the incidence of prostate cancer, and have indicated a chemopreventive effect of quercetin on prostate cancer in animal models. The major issues associated with quercetin are its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism, and these require priority attention. Chemoresistance is another main negative feature concerning prostate cancer treatment. This review highlights the chemotherapeutic effect, chemo preventive effect, and chemoresistance elimination potential of quercetin in prostate cancer. The underlying mechanisms for elimination of prostate cancer and eradication of resistance, either alone or in combination with other agents, are also discussed. In addition, the nanoscale delivery of quercetin is underpinned along with possible directions for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Hussain
- Lab of Control Release and Drug Delivery System, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China;
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran 1477893855, Iran;
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey;
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey;
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey;
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417466191, Iran;
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Sitarek P, Kowalczyk T, Wieczfinska J, Merecz-Sadowska A, Górski K, Śliwiński T, Skała E. Plant Extracts as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds and Potential Remedy for the Treatment of Certain Skin Diseases. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:2859-2875. [PMID: 32303169 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200417160049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Skin ailments present a major health burden in both developed and undeveloped countries. Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. Medicinal plants have long provided reliable therapy in the treatment of skin diseases in humans through a diverse range of bioactive molecules. Skin diseases may have a various basis, or may be genetically determined; together, they constitute approximately 34% of all occupational diseases encountered in people of all ages. Of these, melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms, with very poor prognosis for patients if it is diagnosed too late. This review of the literature over the past five years examines the role and utilities of plant extracts in treating various skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne or melanoma with various potential mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Sitarek
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, S. Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Wieczfinska
- Department of Immunopathology, Chair of Allergology, Immunology and Dermatology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Training, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Karol Górski
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Śliwiński
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Skała
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
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Opatha SAT, Titapiwatanakun V, Chutoprapat R. Transfersomes: A Promising Nanoencapsulation Technique for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E855. [PMID: 32916782 PMCID: PMC7559928 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transdermal delivery systems have gained much interest in recent years owing to their advantages compared to conventional oral and parenteral delivery systems. They are noninvasive and self-administered delivery systems that can improve patient compliance and provide a controlled release of the therapeutic agents. The greatest challenge of transdermal delivery systems is the barrier function of the skin's outermost layer. Molecules with molecular weights greater than 500 Da and ionized compounds generally do not pass through the skin. Therefore, only a limited number of drugs are capable of being administered by this route. Encapsulating the drugs in transfersomes are one of the potential approaches to overcome this problem. They have a bilayered structure that facilitates the encapsulation of lipophilic and hydrophilic, as well as amphiphilic, drug with higher permeation efficiencies compared to conventional liposomes. Transfersomes are elastic in nature, which can deform and squeeze themselves as an intact vesicle through narrow pores that are significantly smaller than its size. This review aims to describe the concept of transfersomes, the mechanism of action, different methods of preparation and characterization and factors affecting the properties of transfersomes, along with their recent applications in the transdermal administration of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Romchat Chutoprapat
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (S.A.T.O.); (V.T.)
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