Drugs used to fight disease typically target specific physical systems or organs. Intravenous drips and injections are the most directly effective delivery method, transferring those medications directly to the blood. Orally administered drugs face degradation from the substances that accompany normal digestion. Liposomal encapsulation creates a protective bubble that wards off acids, while encouraging 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.
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.
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.
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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