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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.

Discoveries leading to this process emerged nearly fifty years ago, and have led to the introduction of more controlled methods of administering medications. It is currently important in treating serious medical conditions such as some forms of cancer, treatment-resistant fungal infections, and degenerative vision conditions commonly associated with old age. Standard drug delivery mechanisms still predominate, but encapsulation is proving equally beneficial.

For a medication to pass through the upper digestive tract without being dissolved, it must be protected by a safe and non-toxic barrier. The substance used to encapsulate these drugs is an organic material that closely mimics human cellular walls, making it safer to ingest. After it has been activated by using one of three common processes, small bubbles of liposomes are formed around the tiny grains of medication.

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.

There are fewer unwanted physical reactions, and immediate advantages for patients. Because lipsomes are biodegradable and always physically compatible, they leave no toxic substances behind. Not only can they survive an attack by harsh digestive acids, but later function as tiny time-release agents within the intestine. Many drugs used to fight cancer can create collateral damage, and this form of delivery provides greater control.

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 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.

Widespread information is available today regarding personal home encapsulation of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. Producing high-quality encapsulated products is both costly and involved, and is not proven to effectively combat aging issues. As this effective method of physical drug delivery is improved and becomes more widespread, consumers will benefit most from its introduction to existing beneficial heal regimens.




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