ABSTRACT
Phytosomes are complexes created when an herbal substance is combined with phosphatidylcholine. The new molecule is both water-soluble and fat-soluble, for greater bioavailability and absorption. Panax ginseng root extract is used as a tonic agent or an adaptogen that helps to improve overall health. Several pharmacological effects of P. ginseng has been investigated e.g. improvement of physical and mental performance, immune stimulation, liver protection and regulating glycaemia level. The main active components of P.ginseng are ginsenosides saponins. Ginsenosides Phytosomes were prepared using an aprotic solvent which is methylene chloride. Two types of ginsenosides phytosomes were prepared from L-alpha- phosphatidylcholine obtained from either egg yolk or soybean. Amount of complexed ginsenosides was estimated directly in the complex [phytosomes] using UV-visible recording spectrophotometer. The ratio of complexation between ginsenosides and lipids was 1:3 w/w. Dissolution rate profiles of the two types of phytosomes are nearly the same and they showed more sustained release of ginsenosides compared to the root extract; that can be explained by increased lipophilicity of ginsenosides by lipid complexation; denoting that the biological effect of ginsenosides phytosomes is expected to be maintained for longer time than that for the root extract. Characterization of phytosomes was carried out using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [[1]HNMR], Carbon Thirteen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [[13]CNMR], Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy [FT-IR] and Differential Scanning Calorimetry [DSC]. All these characterization techniques have provided an evidence of complex formation. Ginsenosides phytosomes prepared using soybean L-alpha- phosphatidylcholine were biologically evaluated for enhancing the immunity against S.mansoni cercariae. Infected mice were divided at random into three groups; one as a control, the other two groups were administered the free drug [P.ginseng root extract] and the complexed drug [ginsenosides phytosomes] orally. Immunological response for the three groups was assessed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] and worm and ova count in both liver and intestine. The results proved the promoted biological efficacy for the group administered phytosomes; due to increased lipophilicity of ginsenosides attained by complexation with phospholipids