Novel Drug Delivery System for Cancer Management: A Review

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and has been widely regarded by the physicians for their therapeutic values. The effect of using herbal medicine is less adverse as compared to modern medicine. The demand for herbal medicines has surged due to its ability to treat diseases with negligible or lesser side effects. On the contrary there has been a major concern using modern medicines in treating diseases like cancer using chemotherapy. Method: Hence, there has always been a demand of finding effective treatment with lesser side effects. An alternative drug delivery system had always been required for improved efficiency and safe drug delivery with convenience to patient. There have been reports of using bioactive and plant extracts with herbal formulations like liposomes, Phytosomes, Ethosomes, Microspheres, Transferosomes, Nano-particles and microemulsions. Conclusion: Herbal formulations improve component solubility, enhance bioavailability, assist in dose reduction, help in achieving constant therapeutic dose over extended time, enhance stability, and protect physical and chemical degradation. Herbal formulations have more advantages in comparison to conventional formulation. Hence, the use of novel drug delivery system for herbal medicines is more beneficial in comparison to others.