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This article reviews the current status of phytosomal research and its potential …
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Phytosomes results from the reaction of a stoichiometric amount of the phospholipid with the selected polyphenol (like simple flavonoids) in a nonpolar solvent(2). They are lipophillic substances with a definite melting point, freely soluble in nonpolar solvents (in which the hydrophilic moiety was not), and moderately soluble in fats. When treated with water, they assume a micellar shape, forming structures which resemble liposomes, but which exhibit fundamental differences. In liposomes, the active principle is dissolved in the medium of the cavity or in the layers of the membrane, whereas in the phospholipid-flavonoid compounds it is an integral part of the membrane. Molecules are anchored through chemical bonds to the polar head of the phospholipids, as can be demonstrated by specific spectroscopic techniques(5,6). Unlike phytosomes, a liposome is formed by mixing a water-soluble substance with Phosphatidylcholine. No chemical bond is formed; the Phosphatidylcholine molecules surround the water soluble substance. There may be hundreds or even thousands of Phosphatidylcholine molecules surrounding the water-soluble compound. In contrast, with the phytosomes process the Phosphatidylcholine and the individual plant components actually form a 1:1 or a 2:1 complex depending on the substance. This difference results in Phytosome being much better absorbed than liposomes. Methods of preparation Phytosomes are prepared by complexing polyphenolic phytoconstituents in 1:2 or 1:1 ratio with phosphatidylcholine. Mareno and Lampertico (1991), Jiang et al. (2001), Maiti et al (2006) and Maiti et al (2006) reported the methods of Phytosome preparation(7-11).
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