INTRODUCTION:

New technologies have emerged as a result of the constant search for creative ways to improve the effectiveness of natural substances in the ever-changing pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Among them, phytosomes have distinguished themselves as a revolutionary method of drug delivery, providing a viable way around the intrinsic constraints brought about by the low solubility of bioactive chemicals originating from plants in water^1-4.

Plant extracts in an aprotic solvent react with phosphatidylcholine (or any other hydrophilic polar head group) to form phytosomes, which are complexes of phospholipids and naturally occurring active phytochemicals bonded in their structures.

The Secret to Phytosomes:

Plant extracts or other bioactive substances are complexed with phospholipids to form the intricate mechanism that powers phytosomes. This mechanism is a calculated that mimics the organic lipid makeup of cell membranes rather than being a simple chemical reaction^5-9. By optimising the integration and absorption of bioactive elements, this structural affinity seeks to successfully address the long-standing problem of poor water solubility.

Improving Bioavailability: The Main Goal

The primary objective of phytosomes is to increase the chemicals obtained from plants' bioavailability. Phytosomes provide a more seamless passage through the intricate pathways of the human body by encapsulating these bioactive substances in lipid-based complexes¹⁰. This significant improvement in the way herbal chemicals is delivered has a significant impact on the creation of new medications, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.

Unleashed Versatility:

Due to their ability to negotiate the complexities of lipid-based distribution, phytosomes have been used in a wide range of sectors. They are considered innovators in the field of pharmaceuticals for developing cutting-edge drug delivery technologies¹¹. In addition, their ability to optimise cosmeceutical and nutraceutical formulations highlights how versatile they are in meeting a wide range of needs related to health and wellness.

Handling the Difficulties of Low Solubility:

Though their poor solubility in water conditions sometimes hinders them, a significant number of bioactive components produced from plants show great medicinal promise. This intrinsic flaw makes it extremely difficult for them to be absorbed and, as a result, less effective in clinical settings. Phytosomes are an inventive answer that aims to transform the way we utilise nature's therapeutic powers. Researchers have recognised this and have turned to it.

A Look at the Future:

The potential therapeutic benefits of phytosomes are becoming more and more clear as research into this field continues. Phytosomes have the power to transform our knowledge of herbal medicine and open the door to more focused and efficient therapies, going beyond simple solubility enhancement.

Fig. 1: Structure of Phytosome

ANATOMY OF PHYTOSOME:

Phytosomes represent a sophisticated herbal formulation¹² wherein phospholipids are complexed with the active phytoconstituents found in plant extracts. The phytoconstituents' improved bioavailability and absorption as a result of this complexation increase the medicinal effectiveness of herbal extracts. Greek terms "soma," which means body, and "Phyto," which means plant, are the origin of the name "phytosomes".

Phospholipids and plant extracts are combined to form the structure of phytosomes^13-15 Here's a summary of the essential elements:

1. Phytoconstituents:

These are the potent chemical components that are obtained from plant extracts and are responsible for the medicinal qualities of the herb. Alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive substances are a few examples.

2. Phospholipids:

Phospholipids are naturally occurring substances in the human body that are crucial for the structure of cell membranes. Phospholipids in the context of phytosomes are often produced from sunflower or soy lecithin. Because of their hydrophilic (which attracts water) head and hydrophobic (which repels water) tail, phospholipids can form bilayer structures.

3. Formation of complex:

Phospholipids and phytoconstituents combine to generate phytosomes. Usually, a molecular complex is formed using a combination of techniques such as solvent evaporation, coacervation, or simple mixing.

4. Amphipathic Nature:

The mix of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components gives phytosomes their amphipathic characteristics. Their dual nature improves their capacity to interact with lipid and aqueous environments, leading to improved bioavailability and absorption.

5. Improved Bioavailability:

The solubility and stability of phytoconstituents are improved when they combine with phospholipids. As a result, a larger percentage of the injected dose reaches the systemic circulation and the active chemicals' bioavailability is enhanced.

6. Targeted Delivery:

Additionally, phytosomes might be able to target particular organs or tissues. The reason for this precise delivery is because phospholipids have a strong affinity for cell membranes. Because of this, phytosomes have the ability to gather in particular cells and tissues, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the herbal extracts.

· To summarise, the structure of phytosomes is based on the combination of phospholipids with active chemicals originating from plants, which results in a complex that improves targeted delivery, stability, and bioavailability. The potential of this sophisticated formulation to enhance the therapeutic advantages of plant extracts has drawn interest from the fields of nutraceuticals and herbal medicine¹⁶.

PREPRATION OF PHYTOSOMES:

Lipid-based complexes¹⁷ are created during the complexation process used to prepare phytosomes, which combines phospholipids with plant extracts or bioactive substances. Enhancing the phytoconstituents' solubility and bioavailability is the aim. An overview of the procedures required in creating phytosomes is provided below:

1. Choosing the Elements of Phytosomes:

· Select a plant extract or bioactive substance that has the potential to be medicinal.

· Based on the phospholipids' compatibility with the phytoconstituent, choose the right ones.

2. Extraction of Plant Material:

Remove the bioactive chemicals from the plant material by employing appropriate extraction techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, or maceration.

3. Extract Purification:

Filter the extracted material to get rid of waxes, contaminants, and other things that don't belong there and could degrade the phytosome formulation.

4. Picking the Right Solvents:

Pick solvents that work well with phospholipids and plant extract. Ethanol, methanol, or an organic solvent mixture mixed with water are examples of common solvents.

5. The formation of phytosome complexes:

* Use a suitable solvent to dissolve the bioactive ingredient that was extracted.

* Mix the phospholipids in a particular molar ratio with the dissolved extract.

* To encourage complex formation, stir the mixture in a controlled environment with pressure and temperature.

6. Evaporation of Solvent:

To obtain a concentrated phytosome complex, evaporate the solvent at lowered

7. Apply pressure. Size Reduction (Optional):

To increase absorption, the generated phytosome complex may ideally go through size reduction procedures like homogenization or ultrasonication to achieve smaller particle sizes.

8. Phytosome Characterization:

Analyse the physical and morphological characteristics of the phytosomes using characterization studies, zeta potential measurement, and microscopy (such as scanning electron microscopy or transmission electron microscopy).

9. Stability Testing:

Under various storage settings, carry out stability studies to assess the phytosome formulation's long-term stability.

10. Formulation optimisation and scale-up:

Scale up the technique for larger output if the formulation tested in the lab is effective and able to produce in large scale which is best suitable for achieving the intended properties and therapeutic efficacy by optimising the formulation parameters.

It is significant to remember that the particulars of the phytosome preparation procedure can change based on the type of phytoconstituent, the phospholipids selected, and the intended use. Furthermore, factorial design trials may be used to further optimise the creation of phytosomes by determining the formulation process's most important variables.

EVALUATION OF PHYTOSOMES:

Assessment of many factors is necessary to identify the effectiveness and possible applications of phytosomes during the evaluation process¹⁸. Some important factors taken into account when assessing phytosomes are as follows:

1. Bioavailability Studies:

Pharmacokinetic investigations are carried out to assess the bioavailability of chemicals synthesised in phytosomes in comparison to those that are not. Measuring pertinent pharmacokinetic parameters and plasma concentration-time profiles is required for this.

2. Solubility Enhancement:

Finding out how soluble the phytosome complex is in relation to the original phytoconstituent. Enhancing bioavailability requires improved solubility, which is essential.

3. In vitro Release Studies:

Analysing the phytoconstituent's release profile from the phytosome complex by in vitro dissolution experiments. This contributes to our understanding of the formulation's stability and release dynamics.

4. Cellular Uptake Studies:

Studying the use of cell culture models to examine phytosome cellular absorption. The processes of absorption and transport across cell membranes may become clearer as a result.

5. Pharmacological and Therapeutic Efficacy:

Examining the medicinal effectiveness and pharmacological activity of phytosomes inpertinentanimal models or human clinical trials. Here, the additional benefits of the phytosome formulation are ascertained by contrasting the results with those of the original phytoconstituent.

6. Toxicological Evaluation:

To guarantee the safety of phytosome formulations, toxicology studies are carried out. To detect any negative effects, this involves acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity evaluations.

7. Particle Size Analysis:

Assessing the phytosomes' particle size distribution to guarantee consistency and enhance their functionality. Better absorption and bioavailability are frequently attributed to smaller particle sizes.

8. Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM):

Visualising the morphological features of phytosomes through the use of microscopy techniques. This may shed light on the complexes' integrity and structure.

9. Clinical Trials:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of phytosome formulations in humans, carefully planned clinical trials should be carried out. Establishing their therapeutic value in real-world circumstances requires this.

A multidisciplinary approach is used in the examination of phytosomes, combining toxicological, pharmacological, and medicinal assessments to fully comprehend their behaviour and prospective uses in health and wellbeing¹⁹.

MARKETED FORMULATION:

Numerous herbal supplements and pharmaceuticals have been developed using Phytosome technology, and there are a number of commercially available formulations²⁰. It's crucial to remember that product availability can fluctuate over time and that precise formulations might differ between brands.

These formulations come in a number of dosage forms, such as soft gels, pills, and capsules. Before beginning any new supplement or drug, people should speak with a healthcare provider because the safety and efficacy of these products might vary depending on a person's medical history and how they interact with existing prescriptions²¹.

CONCLUSION:

To sum up, phytosomes offer a novel and exciting way to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of substances produced from plants. A common barrier to the absorption of many bioactive substances is poor water solubility, which phytosomes solve by complexing phytoconstituents with phospholipids. Bioavailability investigations, solubility enhancement, in vitro release studies, cellular absorption studies, toxicity studies, particle size analysis, and clinical trials are just a few of the factors that are used in the assessment of phytosomes.Studies and advancements in the realm of phytosomes have shown their possible uses in cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and medicines. Phytosomes are useful in the development of sophisticated drug delivery systems and herbal products because of their capacity to replicate the body's natural lipid composition, enhance absorption through cell membranes, and release bioactive substances in a targeted manner.Although phytosomes have several benefits, further research is required to determine how best to construct them for certain phytoconstituents and to investigate their possible uses in a range of therapeutic contexts. Unlocking the full potential of phytosomes to enhance the transport and effectiveness of chemicals originating from plants would require ongoing work to comprehend the mechanisms of absorption, cellular uptake, and pharmacokinetics.Taken together, phytosomes represent a nexus between contemporary pharmaceutical technology and traditional herbal therapy, providing a platform for the creation of potent and bioavailable formulations.

REFERENCES:

1. Alexander A, Patel RJ, Saraf S, Saraf S. Recent expansion of pharmaceutical nanotechnologies and targeting strategies in the field of phytopharmaceuticals for the delivery of herbal extracts and bioactives. Journal of Controlled Release. 2016 Nov 10; 241: 110-24.

2. Goyal A, Kumar S, Nagpal M, Singh I, Arora S. Potential of novel drug delivery systems for herbal drugs. Indian Journal of pharmaceutical education and research. 2011 Jul 1; 45(3): 225-35.

3. Gandhi A, Dutta A, Pal A, Bakshi P. Recent trends of phytosomes for delivering herbal extract with improved bioavailability. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem. 2012 Nov 1; 1(4): 6-14.

4. Alharbi WS, Almughem FA, Almehmady AM, Jarallah SJ, Alsharif WK, Alzahrani NM, Alshehri AA. Phytosomes as an emerging nanotechnology platform for the topical delivery of bioactive phytochemicals. Pharmaceutics. 2021 Sep 15; 13(9): 1475.

5. Chacko IA, Ghate VM, Dsouza L, Lewis SA. Lipid vesicles: A versatile drug delivery platform for dermal and transdermal applications. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2020 Nov 1; 195: 111262.

7. Tedesco D, Steidler S, Galletti S, Tameni M, Sonzogni O, Ravarotto L. Efficacy of silymarin-phospholipid complex in reducing the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 in broiler chicks. Poultry Science. 2004 Nov 1; 83(11): 1839-43.

8. Chaudhary K, Rajora A. Phytosomes: a critical tool for delivery of herbal drugs for cancer: Phytosomes: Advancing Herbal Medicine Delivery. Phytochemistry Reviews. 2025 Feb; 24(1): 165-95.

9. Jose MM, Bombardelli E. Pharmaceutical compositions containing flavanolignans and phospholipida active principles. US Patent EPO209037. 1987.

10. Kidd PM. Bioavailability and activity of phytosome complexes from botanical polyphenols: the silymarin, curcumin, green tea, and grape seed extracts. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Sep 1; 14(3): 226-46.

11. Ghanbarzadeh B, Babazadeh A, Hamishehkar H. Nano-phytosome as a potential food-grade delivery system. Food Bioscience. 2016 Sep 1; 15: 126-35.

12. Jiang YN, Yu ZP, Yang ZM, Chen JM. Studies on preparation of herba epimedii total flavonoids phytosomes and their pharmaceutics. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi= Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi= China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica. 2001 Feb 1; 26(2): 105-8.

13. Tripathy S, Patel DK, Barob L, Naira SK. A review on phytosomes, their characterization, advancement and potential for transdermal application. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2013 May 13; 3(3): 147-52.

14. Jain PK, Khurana N, Pounikar Y, Gajbhiye A, Kharya MD. Enhancement of absorption and hepatoprotective potential through soya-phosphatidylcholine-andrographolide vesicular system. Journal of Liposome Research. 2013 Jun 1; 23(2): 110-8.

15. Jadhav SM, Morey P, Karpe MM, Kadam V. Novel vesicular System: an overview. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2012 Jan 30(Issue): 193-202.

16. Demir B, Barlas FB, Guler E, Gumus PZ, Can M, Yavuz M, Coskunol H, Timur S. Gold nanoparticle loaded phytosomal systems: synthesis, characterization and in vitro investigations. RSC advances. 2014; 4(65): 34687-95.

17. Raina H, Soni G, Jauhari N, Sharma N, Bharadvaja N. Phytochemical importance of medicinal plants as potential sources of anticancer agents. Turkish Journal of Botany. 2014; 38(6): 1027-35.

18. Shalini S, Kumar RR, Birendra S. Antiproliferative effect of Phytosome complex of Methanolic extact of Terminalia arjuna bark on Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MCF-7). Int J Drug Dev Res. 2015; 7(1): 173-82.

19. Gandhi A, Dutta A, Pal A, Bakshi P. Recent trends of phytosomes for delivering herbal extract with improved bioavailability. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem. 2012 Nov 1; 1(4): 6-14.

20. Raju TP, Reddy MS, Reddy VP. Phytosomes: a novel phyto-phospholipid carrier for herbal drug delivery. International Research Journal of Pharmacy. 2011; 2(6): 28-33.

21. Kalita B, Das MK, Sharma AK. Novel phytosome formulations in making herbal extracts more effective. Research Journal of pharmacy and technology. 2013; 6(11): 1295-301.

22. Mukherjee PK, Wahile A. Integrated approaches towards drug development from Ayurveda and other Indian system of medicines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2006 Jan 3; 103(1): 25-35.

Received on 14.08.2024 Revised on 13.09.2025

Accepted on 01.02.2026 Published on 03.04.2026

Available online from April 06, 2026

Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(4):1896-1900.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00272

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

S. No.	Drugs	Marketed Formulations
1	Siliphos®	A phospholipid-complexed milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum) is called Siliphos. Milk thistle is well recognized for its ability to protect the liver, especially when it comes to aiding in liver detoxification and function. Siliphos is intended to increase the active ingredients in milk thistle's bioavailability, including silybin.
2	Curcumin Phytosome	Turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. To enhance its absorption, curcumin is complexed with phospholipids in curcumin Phyto some formulations. Products containing curcumin phytosomes may be marketed by different brands under different names.
3	Biloba ginkgo leaf phytosome	A phytosome has been created using ginkgo biloba extract, which is frequently utilized to promote circulation and cognitive function. The goal of the complexation with phospholipids is to improve Ginkgo biloba's active ingredients' absorption.
4	Tea Phytosome Green Tea	Green tea extract has been utilized in phytosome formulations since it is high in polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Enhancing these polyphenols' bioavailability is the aim; they are well-known for their antioxidant properties and possible health benefits.
5	Phytosome Boswellia	A phytosome made from the resin Boswellia serrata, which possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, has been developed. This is frequently used to lessen inflammation and promote joint health.
6	Phytosome of grape seeds	Proanthocyanidins are antioxidants found in grape seed extract. The goal of grape seed extract phytosome formulations is to improve the chemicals' absorption.