Phospholipids: a novel adjuvant in herbal drug delivery systems

Phytoconstituents have been used extensively in modern science because of their various pharmacological actions with few side effects. Regardless of their excellent therapeutic activity, several phytoconstituents have shown poor bioavailability in vivo. Phytoconstituents possess properties such as poor lipid solubility, large molecular size, and degradation in the gut due to the acidic environment. Gastric enzymes always limit their use. Phospholipids seem to be a major carrier for plant active molecules, which not only interact with the plant constituents on a molecular level but also protect the active components of the plant from degradation and increase the bioavailability of the active components by imparting lipid solubility to them. Complexation techniques enable researchers to convert the phytophospholipids into various dosage forms, including tablets and capsules. In the cosmetic industry, however, these complexes have acquired wider applicability in the form of gels and emulsions. Complexation of phospholipids with active components of plants improves their bioavailability and is being extensively studied by researchers, and further research in this regard is expected in the future. This review highlights the unique property of phospholipids in drug delivery, their health benefits, and their use in the herbal medicine systems to improve the bioavailability of active herbal components.