Phytonutrients and Technological Development in Formulations

Phytomedicines are used by humans since ancient civilizations and is now considered as an important part of traditional and alternative system of medicine. In recent time, phytomedicines have gained special attention based on the fact that a number of current medicines are derived from plant source. Phytochemicals exhibits lesser side effects and are potentially strong therapeutic agents. The global market for herbal drugs is increasing day by day. It has gained widespread acceptance due to its efficacy, accessibility, minimum toxicity, and cost effectiveness. However, solubility, stability and bioavailability are some of the major hindrances in the commercialization process of phytomedicines. Nanotechnology have been potentially productive in improving the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity of phytomedicines. Development of nano-phytomedicines or attaching phytomedicines with polymers and modifying their surface properties and permeability have altogether influenced the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Novel formulations like solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, niosomes, dendrimers, nanotube, liposomes, nano-emulsions nanospheres, phytosomes etc. Have been developed loaded with phytomedicines and have shown extraordinary result. This chapter extensively reviews phytomedicines based novel drug delivery systems having potential activity in different diseases like metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, viral diseases, cancers, inflammatory diseases and wound healing and lastly future prospect is discussed.