What is the Difference Between Phytosomes and Liposomes?

The main difference between phytosomes and liposomes lies in their structure and the way they encapsulate active ingredients.

Phytosomes are complexes of natural active ingredients and phospholipids, specifically phosphatidylcholine. In phytosomes, the active ingredient is an integral part of the membrane, being stabilized through hydrogen bonds to the polar head of the phospholipids. Phytosomes mainly deliver plant-based molecules that have poor solubility.

Liposomes are spherical vesicles of a bilayer of phospholipids that enclose an aqueous solvent. In liposomes, the active ingredient is distributed in the medium contained within the cavity or in the layers of the membrane. Liposomes can encapsulate compounds within a hydrophilic cavity or within the layers of membranes but do not mix with the compounds.

In summary, phytosomes and liposomes are both delivery vesicles used to improve the bioavailability of active compounds, but they differ in their structure and the way they encapsulate these compounds.

Comparative Table: Phytosomes vs Liposomes

Phytosomes and liposomes are both types of delivery vesicles or formulations used for the delivery of drugs and other active compounds. However, they have some key differences:

In summary, phytosomes are complexes of natural active ingredients and phospholipids, while liposomes are spherical vesicles of a bilayer of phospholipids that enclose an aqueous solvent. The active ingredient in liposomes is distributed within the medium, whereas in phytosomes, it is an integral part of the membrane. Phytosomes can deliver both water and lipid-soluble compounds, whereas liposomes can only deliver water-soluble compounds.