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.

In order to allow drugs to pass through the digestive tract without being broken down, they must be safely encased within a non-toxic protective barrier. Effectively shielding these individual microscopic capsules is possible when using an organic agent that mimics normal cellular walls. When that substance is activated using a variety of current methods, small individual bubbles made of liposomes are formed.

They are microscopic, and permit the medication protected inside to safely reach the bloodstream via the small intestine, where they are directly absorbed. This not only improves the overall therapeutic intent in many cases, but can also reduce the possibility of harmful side effects. Not all medications are suitable for this method of delivery, which is most effective with water-soluble drugs.

Because it involves fewer undesirable reactions than invasive delivery, there are immediate advantages of using this process. Liposomes are bio-compatible and biodegradable, leaving behind no undesirable toxins. They not only survive the onslaught of digestive acids, but are able to function as small time-release ports within the gut. When potentially toxic drugs must be used to fight cancers, fewer sensitive tissues face unwanted exposure.

While immediately useful in delivering medication, the process does have drawbacks. The cost of production remains high, but will very likely decrease as research into new product uses expands. There have been issues regarding seal leakage, and common oxidation may also reduce effectiveness. The half-lives of certain drugs decrease using this process, and long-term stability may be shortened. Even so, the potential benefits outweigh known negatives.

The past decade has seen a transition from strictly medical venue to include delivery of nutritional supplements and cosmetic materials. Anecdotal evidence of an increase in physical well-being associated with administering vitamins and minerals in this way are common. Vitamin C has long been touted as a natural way to combat the effects of upper respiratory infections, and this method is said to provide noticeably better results than pills alone.

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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