Insights into various approaches of phytosomes for enhanced therapeutic potential of bioactives

Efficient delivery of phytoconstituents is almost challenging task for scientific community owing to predominantly imbalanced hydrophilicity and lipophilicity considerations. Phytoconstituents are mainly hydrophilic and reveal large molecular size which exhibit less absorption and poor bioavailability. Vesicular systems for instance phytosomes are recognized as unique and novel approach to enhance solubility and bioavailability of phytoconstituents and herbal extracts. These are complexed form of phytoconstituents and phospholipid molecules which are also called as phytophospholipid complex or herbosomes. Phytophospholipid complex has shown enhanced pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic properties in comparison to conventional dosage forms. Different methods have been utilized across the globe for phytosomes preparation such as solvent evaporation, anti-solvent precipitation, co-solvent lyophilization etc. The present review focuses on various approaches commonly employed in the preparation of phytosomes. Significant attributes, characterization aspects along with selection of dosage form for phytosomes have also been highlighted.