NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS OF HERBAL MEDICINE

Over the past several years, great advances have been made in developing novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) for plant actives and extracts. Various novel herbal formulations such as polymeric nanoparticles, nanocapsules, liposomes, phytosomes, animations, microsphere, transfersomes, and ethosomes have been reported using proactive and plant selections. The novel formulations are reported to have remarkable 0 advantages over conventional formulations of plant actives and extracts, which include a cement of solubility, bioavailability, protection from toxicity, enhancement of pharmacological activity, enhancement of stability, improved tissue macrophages distribution, sustained delivery, and protection from physical and chemical degradation. Phytosome is a patented technology developed by a leading maker of drugs and nutraceuticals to incorporate standardized plant extracts or water-soluble phytoconstituents into phospholipids to produce lipid‑compatible molecular complexes. The herbal drugs can be used in a more upright course with enhanced efficacy by incorporating them into modern dosage forms. The present review highlights the current status of developing novel herbal formulations. It summarizes their preparation method, type of active ingredients, size, entrapment efficiency, route of administration, biological activity, and applications of novel formulations.