Development and Use of Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Encapsulation and Administration of Plant Extracts

Abstract

Until today, there are lots of advances that have been made on the development and use of polymeric nanoparticles for the encapsulation and administration of plant extracts. Different types of extraction processes so far used for preparing the plant/herbal principles as well as variety of novel formulations like polymeric nanoparticles, nanocapsules, liposomes, phytosomes, nanoemulsions, microsphere, etc. have been reported using bioactive and plant extracts in drug delivery system for the therapeutic effect. Some of the plant extraction process and its active molecules are noticed to have remarkable advantages over conventional formulations of plant actives and extracts which include enhancement of solubility, bioavailability, protection from toxicity, enhancement of pharmacological activity, enhancement of stability, improved tissue macrophages distribution, sustained delivery, and protection from physical and chemical degradation. This chapter focuses on the current status of the different types of plant extraction and their nanoparticle formulation and summarizes their methods of preparation, active ingredients, size, efficiency, route of administration, and therapeutic use. In addition, this chapter highlights the commercial application of plant extract in nanoform and their prospects in future.