Liposomal Encapsulation Helps Deliver Medications More Effectively

By Jody Leach


Nutritional supplements and most medications are meant to target specific physical systems or organs. Intravenous drip and injection are the most effective methods of delivery, transferring necessary chemicals directly to the blood. When swallowed, medications usually face degradation in the acids of the upper digestive tract. Liposomal encapsulation creates a protective barrier, ultimately allowing more complete 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 can easily pass through the stomach into the small intestine where the coating slowly dissolves, allowing the medication to be absorbed. In many cases, this process actually improves the therapeutic impact, and has the additional benefit of producing fewer side effects. Not all types of medicine are adaptable to this delivery system, which is primarily associated with water-soluble substances.

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.

While being used successfully today in many hospitals, there are some drawbacks. Production costs are comparatively high, but are subject to a natural decrease as product use expands. Seal leakage has been an issue in some cases, and simple oxidation processes can diminish effectiveness. Certain drugs may experience a diminished half-life, and their long-term viability may be reduced. Even with these known issues, positive benefits exceed negative reports.

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.

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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