A Comprehensive Overview of Herbal Bioenhancers

Abstract

The global use of herbal medicines has seen a notable increase due to their therapeutic benefits and fewer adverse effects compared to modern pharmaceuticals. However, the efficacy of many herbal drugs and extracts is hindered by poor lipid solubility and improper molecular size, resulting in suboptimal absorption and limited bioavailability. Recent advancements in technology have introduced novel drug delivery systems, including liposomes, microspheres, nanoparticles, transferosomes, ethosomes, and lipid-based systems, aiming to enhance the bioavailability of herbal medications. Compounds such as quercetin, genistein, naringin, sinomenine, piperine, glycyrrhizin, and nitrile glycoside have shown promise in improving bioavailability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these novel drug delivery technologies, shedding light on their potential to achieve better therapeutic responses. The focus extends to a compilation of bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin, delving into their mechanisms of action and highlighting studies demonstrating enhanced drug bioavailability. Noteworthy additions to this exploration include the contributions of Bacopa Monnieri and Moringa oleifera, further enriching the understanding of herbal bioavailability enhancement.