Abstract
Background: Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world. It has not yet been cured in an efficient manner and has remained a major challenge for current chemotherapy.
Objective: This review summarizes the latest investigations regarding the possible application of phytosome complexes for cancer therapy, their formulation techniques, and mechanism of transportation through phytosome.
Results: Nanotechnology opened a pioneer field in cancer therapy by modifying significant properties of drugs and their carriers. Nanotechnology utilizes various nanostructures to transport anti-cancer agents to the site of action. The greater stability of nanophytosomes is due to formation of chemical links between phospholipid molecules and phytoactive agents. Among several new drug delivery systems, phytosomes depict an advanced technology to deliver phytoactive compounds to the target site of action, and at present, several phytosome formulations are in clinical use.
Conclusion: Potential anti-cancer properties of phytoconstituents are enhanced by phytosomal formulations.
Keywords: Cancer, drug delivery, nanocarrier, phospholipid, phytosome, anticancer agent.
Graphical Abstract