Advances in Phytosome Technology for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Background: Nowadays, medicinal herbs and their phytochemicals have emerged as a great therapeutic option for many disorders. However, poor bioavailability and selectivity might limit their clinical application. Among all approaches, phyto-phospholipid complexes (named phytosomes) have appeared to be a great method to overcome the problems. With the new developments in drug delivery technologies, anticancer drugs ranging from hydrophilic macromolecules to lipophilic drugs can be administered via phytosomes to treat cancer. Objective: In the present review, various drugs targeted by phytosomes to treat varied forms of cancer, like breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, etc, are discussed. Methods: In this review, recent literature covering phytosomes to treat various forms of cancer, patent applications, and clinical trials involving phytosomes employed to cure mainly cancer are covered. Results: Phytosomes have proved their potential to cure cancer. They increase the bioavailability of the drug by site-specific drug delivery and can reduce the side effects/- toxicity associated with anticancer drugs and also sustain the release of drugs. Conclusion: The potential of phytosomes to carry the drug may unclutter novel ways for therapeutic intercessions in various tumors.