SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY TO IMPROVE BIOAVAILABILITY OF PHYTOCHEMICALS

Abstract

The usage of phytochemical supplements over past two decades has steadily increased worldwide. Popularity of these products has been especially notable among people in western countries, where almost 20% of consumers report regular usage of such supplements. Supramolecular interventions are being viewed with tremendous research inputs. Supramolecular chemistry refers to the area of chemistry beyond the molecules and focuses on the chemical systems made up of discrete number of assembled molecular subunits or components. The forces responsible for the spatial organization may vary and include mainly (intermolecular forces, electrostatic or hydrogen bonding). While traditional chemistry focuses on the covalent bond, supramolecular chemistry examines the weaker and reversible non-covalent interactions between molecules. In spite of the popularity of these phytochemical supplements, the actual efficacy has remained elusive for many of these supplements due to poor bioavailability. To improve the efficacy of these agents, researchers and manufacturers have been adopting novel drug formulation technologies to enhance phytochemical bioavailability. Cyclodextrins, cyclic oligosaccharides obtained from the degradation of starch, can be viable as an encapsulant for the plant bioactive compounds. Solubility and oral bioavailability of rutin (Flavanoid glycoside) was improved by complexation with HP-β-CD (2- hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin). Phytosome® has been reported as an improved delivery system for oral bioavailability of polyphenolics through enhancement of rate and extent of solubility into aqueous intestinal fluids and capacity to cross bio membranes. Liposomes are extremely versatile supramolecules being developed and used as efficient carriers for drug delivery. Thus, improved phytochemical delivery through supramolecule chemistry may open up a new phase of operations in the “drug war” between humans and plants.