Phytosomes: Advanced Phospholipid-Based Vesicular Systems for Enhanced Delivery of Phytochemicals

Phytosomes are innovative vesicular drug delivery systems designed to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of plant-derived bioactive compounds. They form stable molecular complexes through specific interactions between phytoconstituents and natural phospholipids, resulting in improved solubility, permeability, and stability. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive scientific evaluation of phytosomes, focusing on their physicochemical characteristics, formation mechanisms, preparation methods, characterization techniques, therapeutic applications, and existing limitations. Data from peer-reviewed literature were analyzed, covering formulation strategies such as solvent evaporation, anti-solvent precipitation, rotary evaporation, and ether injection. Characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and microscopy confirm complex formation and assess structural integrity and stability. Preclinical studies demonstrate that phytosomes significantly enhance bioavailability and pharmacological effects in various disease models, including cancer, diabetes, hepatic injury, and neurodegenerative disorders. Formulations based on Geophila repens, Cedrus deodara, and Ginkgo biloba showed superior efficacy compared to non-complexed extracts in both in vitro and in vivo models. The successful commercialization of several phytosome-based products further supports their translational potential. While the technology shows promise in overcoming bioavailability challenges in herbal therapeutics, further work is needed to address standardization, scalability, and regulatory validation to ensure broader clinical application.