FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATIONS OF AN HERBAL ANTI - INFLAMMATORY PHYTOSOME OF GINGER EXTRACT

ABSTRACT Phytosomes are introduced advanced microsphere or cell forms of herbal products. These are the lipid vesicles in which large variety of phytochemicals can be incorporated. These are the lipid compatible molecular complex. Phytosome is a novel approach of herbal drug delivery, are superior in comparison to liposome and other conventional drug delivery system. Phytosomes are better absorbed than liposome and showing better bioavailability. Phytosomes are lipid compatible molecular complex and it has been found in various skin care products and topical formulations like cream, gels, etc. It exhibits better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile than conventional herbal extracts. Phytosome method produces a cell of herbal extract which is protected from damage and with improved stability. Ginger (Family-Zingiberaceae) is an important traditional medicinal plant. Scientific investigations reported anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-emetic, sudorific (promotes sweating) and rubefacient activity. In the present work ginger extract was complexes with soya lecithin in drugs: lipid ratios of 1: 1 and 1:2. A phytosomal complex of ginger extract was prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The present study aimed to develop and characterizes phytosome containing ginger extract. The prepared phytosomal suspension was evaluated for vesicle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, % entrapment efficiency, rheological study and in-vitro skin permeation study. KEYWORDS: Phytosome, Anti-Inflammatory activity, Herbal extract