Controlled drug delivery systems for improved efficacy and bioavailability of flavonoids

Purpose In past decades, experiments have been done to find the properties of plant polyphenols and their protective role in various diseases. In the present study, a brief review has been done on flavonoids’ protective role in different diseases and controlled drug delivery systems that can be feasible for improving flavonoids’ bioavailability as well as their efficacy in the biological system. Design/methodology/approach Keywords searched in PubMed, and Google Scholar are “Flavones and cardiovascular diseases, flavones and neurodegenerative diseases, isoflavones and neurodegenerative diseases, Flavonoids and ageing, Flavonoids and diseases, total flavonoid content in vegetables, total flavonoid content in fruits, controlled drug delivery system and flavonoids” and the significant recent articles are selected for writing this review. Findings Flavonoids are active components present in plant products that have been found to exert several health benefits, especially in retarding the deleterious effects of CVD, cancer, ageing, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. The different clinical studies have also supported the above notions, and in this commentary, we have highlighted some important findings in the field of flavonoid research. Even though it has various bioactive efficacy, most flavonoids have less bioavailability, requiring controlled drug delivery methods that can also improve flavonoids' bioavailability and stability. pH-, electro-, infrared radiation-, redox- responsive methods of controlled drug release systems are some of the valuable techniques for improving the rate of drug release and bioavailability at the targeted site. Research limitations/implications Research is warranted in this field for improving and developing various materials that can be utilized in the formation of scaffolds/polymers that improves drug loading and controlled drug release properties at the targeted site. Originality/value This review will help the readers to design new strategies in flavonoid research with the help of controlled drug release methods for increased bioavailability and rate of drug release/ controlled drug release.