Modern drug delivery strategies applied to natural active compounds.
Colloidal drug delivery systems (CDDSs) are innovative carriers that have been studied in pharmaceutical field from many years to overcome unfavorable physical and chemical features of synthetic drugs. Recently the use of CDDS as carriers for phytochemicals has seen an exponential increase which, in some cases, has led to the rediscovery of ancient and forgotten natural molecules. Area covered: This article focuses on the main features of CDDS, particularly micro- and nanoemulsions, vesicular carriers and micro- and nanoparticles, loaded with natural active compounds. A detailed review of the literature is presented, introducing the importance of these systems in terms of their capability to optimize the stability of phytochemicals, their absorption through biological membranes and their bioavailability. Expert opinion: The delivery of phytochemicals is problematic due to poor solubility, poor permeability, low bioavailability, instability in biological milieu and extensive first-pass metabolism. Global research efforts investigating nanotechnology have attempted to overcome these limitations rediscovering and, in some cases, 'discovering ex novo' unexpected virtues and benefits associated to these compounds. The 'nanotechnological approach' can definitely enhance the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index of natural active compounds and improve their performance in therapy.
a Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.
Carmelo
C
Puglia
b Department of Pharmacy , University of Salerno , Fisciano , Italy.
Maria Rosaria
MR
Lauro
c Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi , Catania , Italy.
Giorgia Giusy
GG
Tirendi
c Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi , Catania , Italy.
Giuseppina Emanuela
GE
Fassari
a Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.
Claudia
C
Carbone
a Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.
Francesco
F
Bonina
a Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.
Giovanni
G
Puglisi
D001682:Biological Availability; D001688:Biological Products / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles; D036103:Nanotechnology; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012995:Solubility
D001688:Biological Products; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
Phytochemicals; micro and nanoemulsions; polymeric nanoparticles and lipid nanoparticles; vesicular carriers