Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery System for Herbal Medicines

Preview this chapter:

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery System for Herbal Medicines, Page 1 of 1

< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/9789815274103/chapter-12-1.gif

Herbal medicines have been used since antiquity to treat diseases and have proven to be feasible alternatives. Numerous therapeutic plant species depend on a supply of active ingredients to function effectively. Since they cannot cross the lipid membrane, have an excessively large molecular size, or are least absorbed, most plant extracts containing biologically active components such as tannins, flavonoids, and terpenes have a lower absorption rate and are therefore less effective and bioavailable. Additionally, because of these restrictions, certain extracts are not used. It has been proposed that incorporating plant extract with nanoparticles enhances the solubility and bioavailability of herbal medicines, allowing for increased uptake. Moreover, using nanosystems, the active component may be delivered to the intended site of action over the course of the treatment period at an appropriate concentration. Conventional therapies do not satisfy them. This chapter discusses herbal medicine's medication delivery method based on nanotechnology and its future prospects.