Phospholipid-encapsulated herbal extract to enhance anti-angiogenic activity: Phytosomes in angiotherapy

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a process in which pre-existing vessels develop new blood vessels. It is a key factor to nourish embryos as well to develop the growth of most tumors. The absorption and bioavailability of water soluble antiangiogenic compounds from several acclaimed traditional medicinal plants varies remarkably because of their deferential solubility pattern in gastrointestinal tract. Phytosome is a complex formed between an herbal constituents and a natural phospholipid to bioavailability and bioefficacy. Basically, the choline heads of the phosphatidylcholine molecules bind to the herbal constituents; and then, the lipid-soluble phosphatidyl portions, which compose the body as well as the tails of these molecules, envelope the choline-bound components. So many products in the market are available which have been designed using phytosome technology including popular herbal extracts such as Ginkgo biloba, grape seed, olive oil flavonoids etc. In this review, a comprehensive discussion with respect to the advantages and potential uses of phytosomes to enhance the bioavailability and antiangiogenisity of herbal extracts is presented.