Nanoemulsions for Improved Efficacy of Phytotherapeutics- A Patent Perspective

Background: Phytoceuticals have been used extensively worldwide due to their reduced toxicity and therapeutic efficacy. The major drawback associated with their delivery which includes lack of sustained action and lipophilicity has been overcome by applications of scientific approach by scientists and researchers. Novel drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing bioavailability, reducing toxicity and in turn improving the patient compliance have been developed with success in recent times. Recent developments in the modern phytopharmaceutical research methods have also solved the major hurdles related to the extraction, identification of constituents in polyherbal systems, and standardisation thereby further facilitating the formulation of improved dosage forms like nanoemulsions with better efficacy of the herbal drugs.

Method: We did extensive literature review, which included an in depth study and collection of both peer reviewed research and review manuscripts as well as patents related to phytonanoemulsions, which were included in the manuscript.

Results: In this article, an attempt has been made to compile the therapeutic and non therapeutic applications of herbal drugs formulated as nanoemulsions, patented phytonanoemulsions, with a discussion on the toxicity and future aspects of the nanoemulsion based delivery of phytotherapeutics.

Conclusion: The findings of the review confirm that phytonanoemulsions are novel formulations which can be utilized both for therapeutic as well as nontherapeutic applications.