Swami Vivekanad Sanstha’s Institute of Pharmacy, Mungase (Malegaon)- Nashik-(Maharashtra)
Targeted Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) represent a promising advancement in the field of herbal medicine, offering the ability to enhance the precision and efficacy of herbal treatments while minimizing side effects. This review explores various innovative approaches for targeted delivery of herbal compounds, including the use of nanoparticles (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles), microspheres, pH-sensitive systems, and biodegradable polymers. These systems allow for controlled release and protection of herbal bioactive ingredients, facilitating their precise targeting to diseased tissues, such as tumors or inflamed areas. TDDS improves the specificity of herbal formulations by exploiting mechanisms such as passive, active, and physical targeting, thus reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the use of nanotechnology, including nanocarriers like liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, ensures improved bioavailability and stability of herbal compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, and ginger. TDDS also opens up new possibilities in overcoming barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, enabling targeted delivery to the brain for neuroprotection. While TDDS offer significant therapeutic advantages, challenges related to scalability, toxicity, and regulatory approval remain. Future research should focus on optimizing these systems for broader clinical applications, particularly in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, to make them integral components of personalized herbal medicine.
A variety of raw or processed herbs are used in predetermined amounts to herbal compositions, a type of pharmaceutical, to provide specific nutritional, cosmetic, and/or health benefits. A variety of techniques, including fermentation, distillation, extraction, expression, fractionation, extraction, and concentration, can be applied to whole plants or plant parts to create herbal remedies. because they consist of tinctures made from ground or powdered botanicals, expressed juices, and tinctures made from fragrant oils.
Since more recent ancient times, herbal remedies have been widely used all throughout the world. The use of "herbs" to treat a variety of ailments with fewer side effects has grown dramatically. The plant components that comprise herbal remedies are known as phytoconstituents, and they are responsible for their biological impacts. Desired results are not obtained because the biological activity of the plant fluctuates from batch to batch. Additionally, the standardisation of herbal compounds requires phytoconstituents. The age of the plant, when it was collected, the state of the environment, and other elements all come into play. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, and other types are examples of phytoconstituents. These phytoconstituents are soluble in water, but because of their size, they cannot pass through the lipid harrier, which results in insufficient absorption. Delivery vehicles based on innovative drug delivery systems (NDDS) are superior than a variety of other delivery vehicles. Traditional dosage forms are characterised by high levels and low solubility, instability, first-pass action, changes in plasma drug levels, and quick absorption. Regarding effectiveness, safety, and patient NDDS allays worries about product shelf life and compliance. The field of herbal medicine has seen a significant evolution with the incorporation of advanced drug delivery systems. Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy and bioavailability of herbal formulations. Unlike traditional forms of administration, such as powders, extracts, or tinctures, NDDS offers targeted delivery, sustained release, and reduced dosing frequency, making herbal treatments more effective and patient-friendly. NDDS utilizes innovative technologies like nanoparticles, liposomes, phytosomes, microspheres, and transdermal systems to overcome the limitations of conventional herbal preparations. These systems address challenges such as poor solubility, instability, and rapid metabolism of herbal bioactive compounds, thereby improving their therapeutic potential.
In order to reduce medication loss and degradation, avoid negative side effects, and boost drug bioavailability and the percentage of the drug that accumulates in the desired zone, numerous drug delivery and targeting systems are presently being developed. Drug carriers include soluble polymers, cells, cell ghosts, lipoproteins, liposomes, micelles, microcapsules, and microparticles composed of insoluble or biodegradable natural and synthetic polymers. It is possible to make the carriers stimuli-reactive (such as pH- or temperature-sensitive), slowly degradable, and even targeted (for example, by conjugating them with certain antibodies against particular distinctive elements of the area of interest).
A Novel Drug Delivery System (NDDS) is a modern approach to drug delivery that improves the efficacy, safety, and convenience of traditional drug formulations. It uses advanced technologies to ensure that drugs reach their target site with controlled and sustained release, reducing side effects and enhancing patient compliance. NDDS encompasses various systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, transdermal patches, and nanogels.
Herbal formulations often face challenges like poor bioavailability, rapid degradation, and low solubility, limiting their therapeutic potential. NDDS addresses these issues, making herbal medicine more effective and reliable.
Here’s how:
NDDS improves the absorption of poorly water-soluble herbal compounds by using delivery vehicles such as nanoparticles or liposomes.
Systems like microspheres and hydrogels allow the gradual release of herbal actives, maintaining therapeutic levels for longer periods and reducing dosing frequency.
Herbal bioactives are often sensitive to environmental factors like light, heat, and oxidation. Encapsulation in NDDS systems shields these compounds, preserving their potency.
NDDS can direct herbal drugs to specific tissues or organs, increasing efficacy and minimizing systemic side effects.
Innovations like transdermal patches and oral dissolving films make herbal medicines easier to administer and more user-friendly.
NDDS enables the co-delivery of multiple herbal actives in a single formulation, allowing synergistic effects and improved therapeutic outcomes.
1) Phytosomes:
"Some" means anything that resembles a cell, and "phyto" refers to a lipid-compatible molecular complex known as a phytosome. Using polyphenolic phytoconstituents in the molar ratio to phosphatidylcholine creates a new herbal medicine delivery mechanism called a "Phytosome." Compared to standard herbal extracts, phytosomes are more advanced and more absorbable forms of botanical components that produce better results. Pharmacokinetics is enhanced by phytosomes. and therapeutic properties in contrast to conventional herbal extract.
1. A greater bioavailability due to the phospholipid ingredient.
2. Better absorption in the GIT.
3. A greater therapeutic effect is the consequence of a higher bioavailability.
4. Because of the higher bioavailability, a lower dosage is required.
5. More stability.
6. Because of their high degree of penetration due to increased lipophilicity, liposomes are not used in cosmetics.
7. Additional benefits in the clinic.
Fig No.01 :- Method Of Preparation of Phytosomes
2) Liposomes:
A membrane-bound lipid bi-layer, primarily composed of phospholipids, entirely encloses the aqueous volume in liposomes, which are concentric bi-layered vesicles. Liquids are allowed to freely swim inside liposomes, which are spherical particles. Originating from the Greek terms "Lipos," which means fat, and "Soma," which means body, the term "liposome" was created. The structural constituents of a liposome, known as phospholipids, are identified by their names rather than their dimensions. Liposomes can form at different sizes and have a single or multiple lamellar architecture. Although liposomes are typically lipid bilayer vesicles that are synthesised, they may not always contain lipophobic compounds such as water . Liposomes loaded with drugs can be used to deliver drugs for cancer and other diseases. When specific Lipids naturally form liposomes, which are colloidal or microparticle carriers, when they are hydrated in water. On average, their diameter falls between 0.05 and 5.0 μm. Liposomes are composed of biocompatible and biodegradable materials and consist of aqueous volumes enclosed in one or more bilayers of natural or synthetic lipids. Drugs can be enclosed in the entrapped aqueous volume, at the bilayer interface, or in liposomes with phospholipid bilayers of different lipophilicity
Fig No.02 :- Design of Liposomes
1 Provides a specific passive target for tumour tissues, liposomal doxorubicin.
2. A greater efficacy and therapeutic index.
3. Stability is improved by encapsulation.
4. A reduction in the toxicity of the encapsulated chemicals.
5. The impact of avoiding sites.
6. Improved pharmacokinetic results (reduced elimination, longer circulation life periods).
7. The ability to work with site-specific ligands to achieve active targeting.
8. Biodegradable and flexible.
9. Capable of containing micro and macromolecules.
10. Capable of transporting medications that dissolve in water and lipids.
Liposomes can be categorised according to
1. Structural
2. Preparation technique
3 Composition
4. Standard Liposomes
5. Liposome speciality .
1. Liposomes are utilised in neoplasia and cancer chemotherapy.
2. Liposomes are vaccine carriers.
3. Liposomes are employed as antigen carriers.
4. In oral therapy, liposomes are employed as drug carriers.
3) Nanoparticles:
Nanotechnology is the study of matter and materials at the nanoscale. "Nano" derives its name from the Latin word "dwarf." 10^9m is equivalent to 1nm. Nanoparticles are solid particles or dispersions that are between 10 and 20 000 nm in size. The drug is dissolved, encapsulated, released, or attached to a nanoparticle matrix .
The application of nanoparticles offers specific advantages, such as improving the stability of proteins and drugs and having useful, controlled release properties. Both active and passive targeting can be produced with it; it has a high drug loading and can be administered via parenteral, nasal, oral, and intraocular routes .
1. The nanoparticulate device delivers the herbal formulation directly to the incident site.
2. A greater efficacy and therapeutic index.
3. Stability is improved by encapsulation.
4. A better pharmacokinetic result.
5. Compound surface characteristics and a variety of sizes can be manufactured with ease.
4) Emulsion:
The other phase of an emulsion, a biphasic system, is densely packed with microscopic droplets that range in diameter from 0.1 to 100 µm. The two phases of an emulsion are the non-aqueous phase, which is an oily liquid, and the aqueous phase, which is water .Among them, the microemulsion is also called nano emulsion, and the sub-micro-emulsion is called liquid emulsion. Because of its transparency and thermodynamic stability, microemulsion is frequently used in combination with a co-surfactant .
1. Its packing in the inner phase and direct release are the reasons for its prolonged half-life.
2. Interaction with the body and other tissues.
3. When lipophilic medications are mixed to create an o/w/o emulsion, the oil droplets are phagocytosed by macrophages, increasing the drug's concentration in the liver, spleen, and kidney.
4. The herbal content of the emulsion will improve the stability of the hydrolysed produced material and the drug's penetration into the skin and mucous membranes.
5. The new type, known as Eleme Num in emulsion, is used as an anticancer drug and is safe for the heart and liver .
5) Microsphere:
A microsphere is made up of tiny, spherical particles that typically have a diameter between 1 μm and 1000 μm (1 mm). Microspheres are also known as micro-particles. Microspheres can be made from a variety of natural and synthetic materials. Ceramic, glass, and polymer microspheres are the three types that can be bought. There are two types of microspheres: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Biodegradable microspheres come in a variety of forms, including those composed of polylactic acid, modified starch, albumin, gelatin, and polypropylene dextran. According to the known research on non-biodegradable microspheres, polylactic acid is the only polymer that is approved for usage in humans and is utilised as a controlled-release agent. Since the densities of solid and hollow microspheres vary so greatly, they have
1. The microparticulate system medicine administration is attractive due to the use of microspheres for injection or ingestion, which are customised for required release profiles, location-specific drug delivery, and sometimes even organ-targeted release.
2. The medication release from the formulation is easy to accomplish.
3. It can discharge a drug into an outer phase for a prolonged period of time while shielding its distinct activity.
It can release drugs into a prolonged external phase while protecting their intended function.Spherical microparticles known as microspheres are employed in situations where a constant and predictable particle surface area is crucial. The drug is kept hidden from view by a special polymer membrane inside a microsphere.
6) Ethosomes:
Phospholipids and a sizable amount of ethanol make up ethersomes. Medication distribution to the deeper layers of the skin is enhanced and blood circulation is raised due to this carrier's deep skin penetration. Alkaloids can be topically administered with these cream and gel formulations while maintaining patient comfort. The more fluid lipid domain of the skin improves their permeability through the skin. The topical distribution of ethersomes is limited by their unstable nature and minimal skin penetration.The evolution of ethosomes, their potential for topical administration of tetrandrine through the skin, and the connection between methods for pharmacological action of tetrandrine further included into the composition were all examined. The medication levels in the rat plasma showed that when tetrandrine-loaded ethosomes were administered topically in rat species Rat plasma had too low of a drug concentration to be detected. By delivering less Tetrandrine into the bloodstream, Topical application may provide beneficial results with decreased adverse effects, improving the patient's conformances. Finally, ethosomes were shown to exist.A possibly useful carrier for improving the topical application of topical Tetrandrine .
1. Ethosomes improve the skin's transdermal absorption of drugs.
2. A platform that enables the large-scale delivery of several medication classes.
3. A semisolid version of the drug ether is supplied. resulting in an increase in patient compliance.
1. Ethosomes are pliable, soft vesicles mostly composed of phospholipids, water, and ethanol (in a comparatively high concentration).
2. These soft vesicles function as novel vesicle carriers for enhanced skin delivery .
7) Nanoparticles of Solid Lipid (SLN):
This approach was developed in the 1990s. This colloidal carrier was created specifically to deliver lipophilic medications. The mean size of the typical solid lipid The size range of nanoparticles is 50–1000 nm. The primary characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). For parenteral delivery, optimal physical stability and integrated labile drug protection against degradation are crucial factors. Lipids and surfactants are necessary for blood to flow through the brain. Numerous methods, such as homogenisation, high-speed churning of the heated microemulsion solvent-diffusion technique, and ultrasonication, are used to prime the SLNs. Lipids exhibit compatibility with lipophilic drugs and increase the efficacy of trapping and drug loading into the SLN.
8) Niosomes:
Non-ionic surfactants from the alkyl or dialkyl polyglycerol ether family and cholesterol make up niosomes. They are vesicles with several layers. Liposomes and niosomes have a number of properties that make them appropriate drug delivery vehicles, according to earlier studies carried out in partnership with L'Oreal. The difference between liposomes and niosomes is that the former have certain benefits over the latter.
Fig No.04 :- Structure of Niosome
Proniosomes:
The prometheus gel system is an enhancement over niosomes and can be used in various ways to deliver active ingredients to the target location.Proniosomal gels are formulations that, when moistened in situ with water from the skin, transform into niosomes.
1. More stable following storage and sterilisation.
2. Easy to transfer and distribute
9) Transdermal Delivery System:
Interest in transdermal drug delivery devices has increased for both systemic drug delivery through the skin and topical drug delivery to treat sick skin. However, there is a lot of promise for transdermal drug delivery systems to become intelligent drug delivery systems in the future. The drug in the formulation diffuses to the stratum corneum, moves to the affected organ, and then enters the bloodstream via these pathways. These devices use permeability enhancers, polymer matrix, and adhesive bandages .
Benefits of the Transdermal Medication Delivery System:
1. Controlled medication distribution, enhanced bioavailability, fewer adverse effects, and ease of application.
2. Transdermal delivery of herbal medicine aims to enhance absorption and long-term effects. For instance, transdermal films that combine boswellic acid (Boswellia serrate) and curcumin (Curcuma longa) were created to treat inflammation (synergistic effect).
10) Dendrimers:
Dendrimers functionalised with polyethylene glycol chains (PEG) provide stability and protection against the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Dendrimers are highly branching, symmetrical macromolecules having a symmetrical structure that are nanometres in size.
11)Liquid Crystals:
The characteristics of the liquid and solid phases are combined in these crystals. They can contain aqueous pharmaceutical solutions thanks to their lamellar phase, which alternates between polar and non-polar layers.
12)Hydrogels:
Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers that are very capable of absorbing a lot of water and biological fluids. They function as carriers in swellable and swelling-controlled discharge devices or as drug release controllers in reservoir-based controlled release systems. First-pass metabolism in the liver .
1. Controlled Release Systems
- Zero-Order Release
- Sustained Release
- Extended Release
- Targeted Release
2. Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
- Active Targeting
- Passive Targeting
- Magnetic Targeting
- Ligand-Targeted Nanoparticles
3. Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanoparticles
- Nanocapsules
- Nanospheres
- Liposomes
4. Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems
- Biodegradable Polymers
- Hydrogels
- Microspheres
- Nanogels
5. Liposome-Based Drug Delivery
- Stealth Liposomes
- Multilamellar Liposomes (MLVs)
6. Gene Delivery Systems
- Viral Vectors
- Non-Viral Vectors
7. Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
- Transdermal Patches
- Iontophoresis
- Sonophoresis
8. Oral Controlled Release Systems
- Matrix Systems
- Coated Tablets
- Reservoir Systems
9. Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems
- pH-Sensitive Systems
- Temperature-Sensitive Systems
- Light-Sensitive Systems
- Magnetic Drug Delivery
10. Ocular Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanoparticles
- In Situ Gels
- Microspheres
11. Inhalation Drug Delivery Systems
- Nebulizers
- Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)
- Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)
12. Implantable Drug Delivery Systems
- Bioerodible Implants
- Non-biodegradable Implants
From the above One of it's i.e.
‘TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM' (TDDS) has significantly enhancing the application of herbal formulations by overcoming challenges like poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability of herbal compounds. These systems can help deliver bioactive herbal constituents precisely to the desired site of action, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) are advanced methods for delivering drugs directly to specific cells, tissues, or organs in the body while minimizing their effects on healthy tissues. This approach enhances therapeutic efficacy and reduces side effects by concentrating the drug in the desired area. Targeted drug delivery is particularly useful in treating diseases such as cancer, infections, and autoimmune disorders.
Fig No.05 :- Features Of Noval Herbal Delivery Systems
1. Specificity: Delivers drugs to specific cells or tissues.
2. Reduced Toxicity: Minimizes harm to healthy cells.
3. Enhanced Effectiveness: Maximizes the therapeutic effect at the target site.
4. Controlled Release : Some systems allow for sustained or timed drug release.
1. Passive Targeting:
- Exploits the natural properties of diseased tissues, such as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in tumors.
2. Active Targeting:
- Uses ligands such as antibodies, peptides, or aptamers that bind specifically to receptors on target cells.
3. Physical Targeting:
- Relies on external stimuli (e.g., magnetic fields, ultrasound, or heat) to guide drug carriers.
1. Liposomes: Spherical vesicles that encapsulate drugs for targeted delivery.
2. Nanoparticles: Tiny particles engineered to deliver drugs to specific cells or tissues.
3. Monoclonal Antibodies: Used to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells.
4. Polymeric Micelles: Amphiphilic molecules that deliver hydrophobic drugs effectively.
5. Dendrimers: Highly branched, tree-like polymers used as carriers.
- Cancer Treatment : Targeting tumors with chemotherapeutic agents while sparing normal tissues.
- Gene Therapy : Delivering genes to specific cells to correct genetic defects.
- Infections: Targeted delivery of antibiotics to infection sites.
- Enhanced stability of herbal compounds.
- Improved pharmacokinetic properties.
- Reduction in required doses and side effects.
Targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) in novel herbal formulations aim to improve the precision and effectiveness of herbal treatments by delivering active compounds directly to specific areas of the body, thus minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In the context of a novel herbal delivery system, the following approaches can be considered for targeted drug delivery :-
Description: Nanoparticles (such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles) can encapsulate active herbal compounds, allowing for controlled release and protection of the ingredients from degradation.
Mechanism: Nanoparticles can be modified with ligands (like antibodies or peptides) that specifically bind to receptors found on the surface of target cells or tissues. This can help direct the herbal active ingredients to the site of action (e.g., tumors, inflamed tissues, or infected areas).
Example: Curcumin (from turmeric) can be encapsulated in nanoparticles, which are directed to inflammatory sites in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Description: These are small, spherical carriers that encapsulate active herbal compounds. They can be designed to release the compounds over an extended period.
Mechanism: Microspheres or microcapsules can be coated with biocompatible polymers that degrade over time or in response to specific environmental factors (e.g., pH changes, enzymes).
Example: Herbal extracts such as green tea polyphenols can be encapsulated in biodegradable polymers to control the release of the active ingredients, targeting the gastrointestinal tract for conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Description: Many herbal compounds can be encapsulated in pH-sensitive carriers that dissolve or release their contents at specific pH levels in the body, such as in the acidic environment of the stomach or the more neutral pH of the intestines.
Mechanism: The pH-sensitive materials are designed to release the herbal active ingredients when they encounter the desired pH environment, such as at the site of infection or inflammation.
Example: Encapsulating herbal extracts like ginger in a pH-sensitive matrix that releases the active compounds only in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Description: Liposomes are small vesicles made from phospholipid bilayers that can encapsulate herbal ingredients. Nanospheres are solid particles that also serve a similar function but are made of materials like polymers.
Mechanism: Liposomes can fuse with cell membranes and release their contents directly into the target cells. Both liposomes and nanospheres can be functionalized to target specific tissues or cells using antibodies or receptor-specific molecules.
Example: Using liposomal delivery of bioactive compounds like resveratrol for targeted cancer therapy.
Description: Herbal active compounds can be linked to molecules that have a high affinity for certain receptors on the surface of specific cells or tissues.
Mechanism: The system utilizes receptor-mediated endocytosis to deliver the herbal compounds directly to the desired cells (e.g., immune cells, cancer cells).
Example: Targeting herbal compounds like withanolides (from Ashwagandha) to cancer cells by coupling them with molecules that specifically bind to cancer cell markers (e.g., folate receptors).
Description: Biodegradable polymers and hydrogels are used to encapsulate herbal compounds and control their release.
Mechanism: These systems can be tailored to degrade over time or in response to environmental stimuli, such as temperature or pH, ensuring sustained or targeted delivery.
Example: Herbal medicines like aloe vera can be delivered using hydrogel systems that release their active ingredients in a controlled manner for wound healing or anti-inflammatory effects.
Description: Some herbal compounds, like those from Ginkgo Biloba or Bacopa Monnieri, may benefit from targeted delivery to the brain for cognitive improvement or neuroprotection.
Mechanism: Herbal compounds can be encapsulated in nanoparticles or liposomes that are designed to cross the blood-brain barrier by interacting with specific receptors or through modifications that enhance their permeability.
Example :- Using nanoparticles to deliver brain-boosting compounds such as bacosides directly to the brain for conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Description: Herbal molecules can be conjugated (chemically bonded) with synthetic polymers to improve their solubility, stability, and targeted delivery.
Mechanism: The conjugates can be designed to target specific sites via interactions with receptors or other cell-specific markers, releasing the herbal compound at the target location.
Example :- Combining herbal curcuminoids with polymer chains to improve the bioavailability and controlled release of the compound at cancerous tissues.
DISCUSSION :-
The integration of Targeted Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS)in novel herbal formulations represents a significant advancement in the field of pharmacology, particularly in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds. Historically, the clinical use of herbal medicine has been hindered by challenges such as poor solubility, bioavailability, and the stability of active compounds. However, with the advent of TDDS, these challenges are being addressed by providing a precise and controlled means of delivering herbal drugs to specific areas in the body, thereby maximizing their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects.
1. Enhancing Specificity and Reducing Toxicity:
One of the primary advantages of TDDS is the specificity with which drugs are delivered to targeted sites. Traditional drug delivery often results in the drug being distributed throughout the body, affecting both diseased and healthy tissues. In contrast, targeted systems allow for the concentration of herbal bioactive compounds at precise locations, such as tumors or inflamed tissues, while minimizing exposure to healthy cells. This specificity significantly reduces the toxicity commonly associated with many conventional drugs, particularly chemotherapeutics and anti-inflammatory agents, thus improving patient compliance and quality of life.
For instance, liposomal formulations can encapsulate bioactive herbal molecules like curcumin, targeting them directly to cancerous tissues, sparing healthy cells and reducing the dose required for effective therapy.
2. Mechanisms of Targeting:
The mechanisms by which TDDS achieve targeted delivery are diverse and can be categorized into passive, active, and physical targeting:
For example, Withanolides derived from Ashwagandha can be conjugated with molecules that target folate receptors on cancer cells, facilitating efficient drug delivery directly to the tumor site.
3. Nanotechnology in Herbal Drug Delivery:
Nanotechnology has proven to be a cornerstone in the development of TDDS, offering an innovative way to address the limitations of traditional herbal formulations. Nanoparticles, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles, can encapsulate active herbal ingredients, protecting them from degradation while facilitating controlled and sustained release. This also allows for the modification of these nanoparticles with ligands that specifically bind to target receptors on the surface of cells, increasing the delivery of herbal compounds directly to diseased sites.
For example, curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound, can be encapsulated in nanoparticles and targeted to inflamed tissues, improving its therapeutic effectiveness in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Furthermore, liposomes are another prominent nanocarrier system that can be used to deliver herbal compounds. These vesicles are composed of phospholipid bilayers and can encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances. Their ability to fuse with cell membranes and release their contents directly into the target cell makes them an ideal system for delivering bioactive compounds like Resveratrol for targeted cancer therapy.
4. pH-Sensitive and Biodegradable Systems:
The incorporation of pH-sensitive systems into targeted drug delivery enables the controlled release of herbal compounds at specific pH environments, such as those found in the stomach or intestines. This approach is particularly beneficial for targeting gastrointestinal diseases.
For example, encapsulating Ginger in pH-sensitive carriers ensures that it is only released in the lower gastrointestinal tract, where it can exert its therapeutic effects.
Similarly, the use of biodegradable polymers and Hydrogels offers an effective means to control the release of herbal compounds over extended periods. These materials can degrade in response to environmental stimuli, such as changes in pH, temperature, or the presence of specific enzymes. The controlled degradation of the polymer matrix allows for sustained drug release, ensuring that the therapeutic effects of herbal compounds like aloe vera are prolonged, which is particularly beneficial for wound healing or anti-inflammatory treatments.
5. Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB):
One of the most significant challenges in drug delivery is overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), which protects the brain from potentially harmful substances. However, certain herbal compounds, such as those from Ginkgo Biloba or Bacopa Monnieri, have shown potential in enhancing cognitive function and providing neuroprotection. By using nanoparticles or liposomes, these compounds can be specifically engineered to cross the BBB, ensuring their delivery to the brain. This opens up new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, where bacosides can be targeted directly to the brain to improve cognitive function and slow disease progression.
6. Applications in Disease Treatment:
The application of TDDS in herbal formulations has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a variety of diseases. In cancer therapy, targeted delivery systems can concentrate chemotherapeutic herbal agents at tumor sites, sparing healthy tissues and reducing side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Similarly, in gene therapy, targeted systems can deliver genes directly to specific cells, correcting genetic defects with minimal off-target effects. In infection treatment, antibiotics and antiviral herbal compounds can be delivered precisely to infection sites, increasing the efficacy of treatment and reducing systemic exposure.
Despite the significant progress made in the development of TDDS for herbal formulations, challenges remain in ensuring consistent manufacturing processes, optimizing targeting efficiency, and addressing potential toxicity issues associated with long-term use of some nanomaterials. Future research should focus on improving the stability and scalability of these systems while minimizing any adverse effects.
Moreover, while the effectiveness of TDDS in cancer and inflammatory diseases is well-established, more clinical studies are needed to further explore their potential in other therapeutic areas, such as neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. Additionally, regulatory challenges concerning the approval of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems need to be addressed to facilitate their widespread adoption.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Targeted Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) offer a promising avenue for enhancing the clinical application of herbal formulations. By ensuring that active herbal compounds are delivered directly to the site of action, TDDS enhance the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicines, reduce side effects, and improve overall patient outcomes. As research in this field progresses, we can expect these systems to become integral components of personalized herbal medicine, providing more effective, safer, and innovative treatments for a wide range of diseases.
REFERENCES
Priti Pagar*, Khushi Borwal, Dipali Kothawade, pachpute D. S., tufail dana, manohar nikam, Novel Approaches in Herbal Medicine Administration: The Role of Targeted Drug Delivery, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 3, 34-48. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14953664
10.5281/zenodo.14953664
