PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOKINETIC EVALUATION OF AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS USING MODERN DRUG DELIVERY TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Ayurvedic formulations have gained increasing global recognition due to their therapeutic potential and holistic approach to disease management. These formulations contain diverse phytoconstituents, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides, which contribute to a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. However, the clinical application of many Ayurvedic bioactives is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, rapid elimination, and pharmacokinetic variability. Recent advancements in pharmaceutical sciences have led to the development of innovative drug delivery technologies aimed at overcoming these limitations and enhancing therapeutic performance. This review critically examines the phytochemical composition and pharmacokinetic behavior of major Ayurvedic formulations and explores the role of modern drug delivery systems in improving their efficacy. Various delivery platforms, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, liposomes, phytosomes, hydrogels, and controlled-release systems, have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing solubility, stability, absorption, targeted delivery, and sustained drug release. Representative case studies involving curcumin, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and other Ayurvedic formulations highlight the successful integration of traditional medicine with advanced pharmaceutical technologies. Furthermore, challenges associated with standardization, regulatory acceptance, safety assessment, and clinical translation are discussed. The integration of modern drug delivery strategies with Ayurvedic therapeutics offers a promising pathway toward the development of scientifically validated, pharmacokinetically optimized, and globally acceptable phytopharmaceutical products.Ayurvedic formulations have gained increasing global recognition due to their therapeutic potential and holistic approach to disease management. These formulations contain diverse phytoconstituents, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides, which contribute to a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. However, the clinical application of many Ayurvedic bioactives is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, rapid elimination, and pharmacokinetic variability. Recent advancements in pharmaceutical sciences have led to the development of innovative drug delivery technologies aimed at overcoming these limitations and enhancing therapeutic performance. This review critically examines the phytochemical composition and pharmacokinetic behavior of major Ayurvedic formulations and explores the role of modern drug delivery systems in improving their efficacy. Various delivery platforms, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, liposomes, phytosomes, hydrogels, and controlled-release systems, have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing solubility, stability, absorption, targeted delivery, and sustained drug release. Representative case studies involving curcumin, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and other Ayurvedic formulations highlight the successful integration of traditional medicine with advanced pharmaceutical technologies. Furthermore, challenges associated with standardization, regulatory acceptance, safety assessment, and clinical translation are discussed. The integration of modern drug delivery strategies with Ayurvedic therapeutics offers a promising pathway toward the development of scientifically validated, pharmacokinetically optimized, and globally acceptable phytopharmaceutical products.