The term "phyto" means plant while "some" means cell-like. Phytosome is a novel emerging technique applied to phyto-pharmaceutical which contains phytoconstituents of herbal extract surrounds and bound by lipid. Most of bioactive constituents of phyto-medicine are water soluble compounds like flavonoids. Because of water solubility and lipophilic outer layer, phytosome shows better absorption, hence produces better bioavailability than the conventional herbal extracts. Because of their improved pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties, phytosome are used to treat acute and chronic liver diseases and therapeutically used as dietary supplements. The current review highlights key findings of recent research work conducted on phytosomes with our own viewpoints which can give the new directions and advancements to herbal dosage forms and the technical aspects of phyto-phospholipid formulations to face the future challenges.

Background: Lipid based excipients have increased acceptance now-a days in the development of novel drug delivery systems in order to improve their pharmacokinetic profiles. Drugs encapsulated in lipids have enhanced stability due to the protection they enjoy in the lipid core of these nano-formulations. Phytosomes are newly discovered drug delivery system and novel botanical formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex which imparts stability, increases absorp-tion and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Curcumin is obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a wide range of biological activities. The poor solubility and wettability of curcumin is responsible for poor dissolution and this in turn results in poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, the Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were developed to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. Objective: The objective of the present research work was to develop nano-phytosomes of Curcumin to improve its physi-cochemical stability and bioavalability. Method: Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were prepared by using phospholipid Phospholipon 90 H using modified sol-vent evaporation method. The developed Curcumin nano phytosomes were evaluated by particle size analyzer and differ-ential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: Results indicated that phytosomes prepared using Curcumin and lipid in the ratio of 1:2 shows good entrapment efficiency. The obtained Curcumin phytosomes were spherical in shape with size less than 100 nm. The prepared nano phytosomal formulation of Curcumin showed promising potential as an antioxidant. Conclusion: The phytosomal complex showed sustained release of Curcumin from vesicles. The sustained release of Cur-cumin from phytosome may improve its absorption and lowers the elimination rate with increase in the bioavailability.