Emerging Smart Drug Delivery Systems for Herbal Therapeutics: Phytosomes, Nanoparticles, Responsive Hydrogels and Functional Excipients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64882/ijrt.v13.i3.1782Keywords:
nanomedicine, controlled release, bioavailability, phytochemicals, nanoparticles, phytosomes, functional excipients, responsive hydrogels, smart drug delivery, Herbal therapeuticsAbstract
The development of smart drug delivery systems has emerged as an important strategy for overcoming the pharmaceutical limitations associated with herbal therapeutics. Although herbal bioactive compounds possess considerable pharmacological potential, their therapeutic application is frequently restricted by poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, inadequate permeability, rapid metabolism and low systemic bioavailability. This review examines emerging delivery approaches, with particular emphasis on phytosomes, nanoparticles, responsive hydrogels and functional excipients for improving the delivery and therapeutic performance of herbal bioactives. Phytosomes demonstrate potential through phospholipid complexation and improved membrane interaction, whereas nanoparticle-based systems provide enhanced protection, solubility, controlled release and opportunities for targeted delivery. Responsive hydrogels offer stimulus-mediated release and prolonged retention, while functional excipients contribute to improved solubilisation, dissolution, permeability and formulation stability. The review indicates that these technologies can substantially improve the pharmaceutical performance of phytochemicals, although challenges remain concerning standardisation, reproducibility, toxicity, scalability, regulatory requirements and clinical validation. Future development should prioritise rational formulation design, hybrid delivery systems and well-controlled clinical studies to establish the safety, efficacy and translational potential of smart herbal therapeutics.
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