Abstract
The development of bioactive components as delivery systems with the use of
advanced nanoscience is opening new therapeutic avenues for the management of various
diseases. Among recent novel applications, plant phytopharmaceuticals and
nutraceuticals are the fastest growing areas of nanotechnology-based research for
effective public healthcare. Bioactive compounds, either encapsulated or in entrapped
form within novel drug delivery systems, are reported as a booster treatment for various
chronic infections and life-threatening diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular
disorders, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, malaria, microbial infections, immune
disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Recently, considerable progress has surged in
understanding the factors associated with these diseases. A variety of nanoscience-based
formulations such as polymeric matrix nanoparticles, aerosol inhalers/nebulizers
nanoemulsions, and vesicular carrier systems, including liposome, phytosome,
transfersome, herbosome, ethosome, niosome, have proven valuable in the delivery of
bioactive materials. Moreover, it is reported that herbs and herbal bioactive compounds
exhibit notable efficacy compared to phytopharmaceuticals and plant extracts fortified
within the conventional method of delivery, with enhanced solubility, bioavailability,
stability, tissue distribution, abridged toxicity, improved pharmacological efficacy, and
protection from physicochemical degradation. The current chapter focuses on the carrier-based delivery of bioactive as a booster with advanced nanosciences, such as
nanoemulsion and vesicular drug delivery systems. In addition, the chapter also
elaborates patented technologies along with potential bioactive products available in the
market.
Keywords: Herbs and bioactive compounds, Liposome, Nanoemulsion, Nanoscience, Phytosome, Transfersome.