Development and Evaluation of Gmelina Arborea Based Phytosomal Drug Delivery System

Phytosomes represent an advanced phytopharmaceutical drug delivery system developed to overcome the limitations associated with conventional herbal formulations, particularly poor bioavailability and low absorption of phytoconstituents. Many bioactive compounds present in medicinal plants, such as flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, and terpenoids, exhibit significant therapeutic potential but suffer from limited membrane permeability and rapid degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Phytosome technology involves the complexation of plant extracts or active phytoconstituents with phospholipids, resulting in enhanced stability, improved absorption, and superior therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights the concept, composition, advantages, preparation methods, characterization techniques, and evaluation parameters of phytosomes. Various preparation approaches, including solvent evaporation, reflux, and thin-film hydration methods, are discussed along with physicochemical characterization techniques such as particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The review also summarizes the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic benefits of phytosomes and their applications in improving the delivery of herbal bioactive compounds. Furthermore, recent clinical and therapeutic applications of phytosomes in cognitive disorders, migraine, gastrointestinal diseases, inflammatory bowel disorders, breast cancer, and prostate diseases are presented. Owing to their ability to enhance bioavailability, reduce dose requirements, improve patient compliance, and provide targeted delivery, phytosomes have emerged as a promising platform for the development of effective herbal and nutraceutical formulations. The growing interest in phytosome-based systems highlights their potential role in the future of herbal drug delivery and phytopharmaceutical research.