Perspective Chapter: Microemulsion as a Game Changer to Conquer Cancer with an Emphasis on Herbal Compounds

Abstract

Microemulsions are lipid based drug delivery system consisting of oil, water, surfactant and often a co-surfactant. They are prepared in order to deliver the drug in an effective manner so as to obtain the desired therapeutic activity. Compared to other conventional therapy, they can deliver the drug in an efficient manner because of their characteristics like reduced particles size, lipid based drug delivery system, thermodynamic stability and economical scale up. Anti-cancer drugs can be easily incorporated into microemulsion so as to target the cancer cells. This helps in increasing the solubility, permeability and absorption of the poorly soluble and poorly permeable drugs, thereby helping in enhancing the bioavailability of the drug. In this chapter, we are also focusing on the herbal based formulations that will be helpful in effectively fighting against cancer cells with less or no side effects. A light has also been shed on the advantages and disadvantages of the microemulsions that will be helpful in considering them as an effective model to conquer cancer and promote the same in the upcoming years.