Liposomal Encapsulation Delivers Medications More Efficiently

By Jody Leach


Medications and nutritional supplements often target specific organs or systems. The most effective delivery method is by injection or intravenous drip, both of which transfer substances directly into the bloodstream. When taken orally, medications must pass through the upper digestive system, where they may be degraded. Liposomal encapsulation forms a protective barrier that allows more thorough absorption.

Medical scientists first became aware of this process than fifty years ago, leading to the development of newer and more effective methods of drug delivery. The process is currently being used during treatment of serious conditions such as stubborn fungal infections, some kinds of cancers, and even age-related conditions leading to loss of vision. While standard medication delivery methods are still predominant, the encapsulation approach is also proving beneficial.

For drugs to survive the upper digestive tract intact, they need to be protected by some kind of barrier that does not cause any additional physical problems. The best solution so far is to create microscopic drug capsules using a material that is already a part of cellular walls throughout the human organism. When activated using one of three primary methods available today, tiny protective liposome bubbles are formed.

These individual capsules can be ingested together in a medium, and are shielded from damage until they can be absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestine. In many cases this process improves the overall therapeutic goal, with the added benefit of fewer side effects. While a significant improvement, this method of delivery does not accommodate all drugs, and works best with water-soluble medications.

Because the process is not invasive and generates fewer negative reactions, there are immediately and obvious advantages. Liposomes are completely biodegradable, and contain no petroleum-derived compounds or other unwanted toxic substances. They easily survive an onslaught of powerful acid, and later function as mini time-release stations within the small intestine. Powerful cancer drugs administered in this way create less collateral damage to surrounding tissues.

Even though already proven effective through use, there is a slight down side. Production costs are significantly high, but will likely experience a decline as greater demand influences the market. Seal leakage has been reported in some cases, and oxidation sometimes reduces overall effectiveness. During the process some drugs have experienced a decline in their half-life, and stability issues have occurred, but positive benefits still predominate.

The past several years witnessed a transition from mainly medical use to include internal delivery of nutritional supplements and even cosmetic substances. Anecdotal evidence abounds regarding the increased effectiveness of administering both vitamins and minerals in this manner. For years Vitamin C has enjoyed an enviable reputation for fighting upper respiratory viral infections, and encapsulated forms are thought to produce even better results.

Although there is currently widespread information available outlining personal production of encapsulated herbs, vitamins and minerals, making medical-quality products is costly and complicated, and is not a panacea for the problems associated with aging. As uses for this drug delivery process continue to grow, consumers will benefit most from its incorporation into health regimens that are already known to be beneficial.




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