Modern drug delivery strategies applied to natural active compounds
September 2016
in “Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery”
TLDR New drug delivery methods can make natural compounds more effective and stable.
The document reviewed scientific literature to assess the impact of Colloidal Drug Delivery Systems (CDDS) on the bioavailability and efficacy of natural active compounds, particularly phytochemicals. It concluded that CDDS, including micro- and nanoemulsions, vesicular carriers, and micro- and nanoparticles, can significantly improve the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index of these compounds, which often have issues with stability and low bioavailability. Examples such as the increased solubility and bioavailability of curcumin through CDDS were highlighted. The paper also discussed the potential of these systems in cancer therapy and other conditions, with studies showing improved delivery and therapeutic effects. Additionally, it emphasized the need for clinical trials to evaluate the toxicological potential of natural active compounds in CDDS, as no such studies had been conducted. The document did not report any conflicts of interest or funding.
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