Novel herbal dosage forms – phytosomes and other advanced systems MCQs With Answer

Introduction

Novel herbal dosage forms such as phytosomes and other advanced systems are transforming herbal drug delivery by improving solubility, stability, and bioavailability of plant actives. Phytosome technology, lipid-based carriers, nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and mucoadhesive systems enhance absorption and therapeutic effect of phytoconstituents. Understanding formulation principles, characterization techniques (particle size, zeta potential, DSC, FTIR), in vitro–in vivo correlations, and regulatory considerations is essential for B.Pharm students pursuing phytopharmaceutical development. This topic integrates pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, and biopharmaceutics to design effective herbal phytopharmaceuticals. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which statement best describes a phytosome?

• A physical mixture of herb extract and phospholipid without chemical interaction
• A vesicular complex formed by specific interaction between phytoconstituent and phospholipid
• A micellar solution of herbal extract in surfactant
• A polymeric nanoparticle encapsulating the herb

Correct Answer: A vesicular complex formed by specific interaction between phytoconstituent and phospholipid

Q2. Which functional group in phospholipids interacts most commonly with polyphenolic phytoconstituents to form phytosomes?

• Carboxyl group
• Phosphate group
• Hydroxyl group of glycerol backbone
• Amide group

Correct Answer: Phosphate group

Q3. Primary advantage of phytosomes over conventional herbal extracts is:

• Lower production cost
• Improved oral bioavailability of lipophilic phytoconstituents
• Complete protection from metabolism
• Guaranteed prolonged release for all actives

Correct Answer: Improved oral bioavailability of lipophilic phytoconstituents

Q4. Which analytical technique is most useful to confirm complex formation in phytosomes by showing changes in molecular interactions?

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• UV–visible spectroscopy only
• Microbiological assay

Correct Answer: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

Q5. In phytosome preparation, the drug:phospholipid molar ratio commonly optimized for many flavonoids is:

• 1:0.1
• 1:1
• 10:1
• 1:10

Correct Answer: 1:1

Q6. Which method is frequently used for preparing phytosomes at laboratory scale?

• Thin film hydration followed by solvent evaporation
• Direct compression
• Spray drying without solvent
• Supercritical CO2 impregnation only

Correct Answer: Thin film hydration followed by solvent evaporation

Q7. Encapsulation efficiency in phytosome systems refers to:

• Percentage of phospholipid converted to vesicles
• Fraction of phytoconstituent complexed with phospholipid relative to total used
• Amount of solvent removed during drying
• Rate of release in vitro

Correct Answer: Fraction of phytoconstituent complexed with phospholipid relative to total used

Q8. Which characterization technique provides particle size distribution and polydispersity index for phytosomal dispersions?

• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
• Gas chromatography (GC)
• Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)

Correct Answer: Dynamic light scattering (DLS)

Q9. A negative zeta potential for phytosome particles typically indicates:

• High toxicity
• Surface charge stability and repulsion between particles
• Immediate aggregation tendency
• Complete lack of phospholipid

Correct Answer: Surface charge stability and repulsion between particles

Q10. Which botanical drug is a well-known example formulated as a phytosome to enhance bioavailability?

• Silybin (silymarin) from milk thistle
• Atropine from Atropa belladonna
• Quinine from Cinchona bark
• Ephedrine from Ephedra

Correct Answer: Silybin (silymarin) from milk thistle

Q11. Phytosomes differ from liposomes mainly because:

• Phytosomes are polymeric particles while liposomes are lipid vesicles
• In phytosomes the phytoconstituent forms a complex with phospholipid; in liposomes the drug is encapsulated in aqueous or lipid compartments
• Liposomes always have higher oral bioavailability than phytosomes
• Phytosomes are made of synthetic polymers only

Correct Answer: In phytosomes the phytoconstituent forms a complex with phospholipid; in liposomes the drug is encapsulated in aqueous or lipid compartments

Q12. Which thermal analysis technique helps reveal changes in crystallinity or melting behavior in a phytosome complex?

• Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy
• Gel permeation chromatography

Correct Answer: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

Q13. What is a common stability challenge for phytosome formulations containing unsaturated phospholipids?

• Photodegradation of phospholipids only
• Lipid oxidation leading to rancidity and reduced shelf-life
• Instant precipitation of phytoconstituents upon storage at any temperature
• Polymer cross-linking

Correct Answer: Lipid oxidation leading to rancidity and reduced shelf-life

Q14. In vitro release testing of phytosome formulations typically evaluates:

• Phytoconstituent release kinetics in simulated biological fluids
• Only particle morphology by microscopy
• Color change upon dilution
• Antimicrobial potency

Correct Answer: Phytoconstituent release kinetics in simulated biological fluids

Q15. Which in vivo absorption pathway is often enhanced by lipid-based herbal systems like phytosomes and SLNs?

• Paracellular absorption exclusively
• Lymphatic transport, reducing first-pass hepatic metabolism
• Elimination via bile without absorption
• Complete bypass of intestinal mucosa

Correct Answer: Lymphatic transport, reducing first-pass hepatic metabolism

Q16. Which excipient is commonly added to phytosome formulations to improve physical stability during drying?

• Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as cryoprotectant
• Sodium chloride as preservative
• Hydrochloric acid to lower pH drastically
• Cellulose acetate to increase viscosity only

Correct Answer: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as cryoprotectant

Q17. Nanosizing herbal actives can improve pharmacokinetics by:

• Decreasing surface area and slowing dissolution
• Enhancing dissolution rate, absorption surface area, and cellular uptake
• Making them more susceptible to enzymatic degradation only
• Guaranteeing zero-order release always

Correct Answer: Enhancing dissolution rate, absorption surface area, and cellular uptake

Q18. Which advanced system uses oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant to form a thermodynamically stabilized nanoscale dispersion?

• Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)
• Nanoemulsion
• Microsphere
• Hydrogel

Correct Answer: Nanoemulsion

Q19. For phytosome characterization, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) primarily provides information on:

• Surface charge distribution quantitatively
• Internal structure and morphology at nanoscale
• Chemical composition in solution
• Zeta potential values

Correct Answer: Internal structure and morphology at nanoscale

Q20. Which release mechanism often governs drug release from solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing herbal extracts?

• Osmotically driven instant burst only
• Diffusion through lipid matrix and matrix erosion-controlled release
• Enzymatic cleavage exclusively without diffusion
• Electrical stimulation-triggered release only

Correct Answer: Diffusion through lipid matrix and matrix erosion-controlled release

Q21. A negative enthalpy shift in DSC thermogram of a phytosome compared to pure drug suggests:

• No interaction between drug and phospholipid
• Possible interaction or complexation reducing drug crystallinity
• Complete degradation of drug
• Increased crystallinity of the drug

Correct Answer: Possible interaction or complexation reducing drug crystallinity

Q22. Which regulatory consideration is particularly important for herbal nanoformulations intended for oral use?

• Only color stability tests are required
• Detailed safety, toxicity, and bioequivalence data due to altered ADME
• No characterization is needed if plant is recognized as safe
• Only marketing authorization without data

Correct Answer: Detailed safety, toxicity, and bioequivalence data due to altered ADME

Q23. Mucoadhesive herbal dosage forms primarily aim to:

• Reduce residence time at absorption site
• Increase local retention and contact time with mucosal surfaces to improve absorption
• Enhance systemic clearance
• Only mask taste without affecting absorption

Correct Answer: Increase local retention and contact time with mucosal surfaces to improve absorption

Q24. Which chromatography method is typically used to quantify phytoconstituents during phytosome development and release studies?

• Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) qualitative only
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Paper chromatography
• Gel electrophoresis

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Q25. Which factor most influences the scale-up of phytosome manufacturing?

• Color of extract
• Solvent selection and control of mixing/evaporation parameters to ensure reproducible complexation
• Availability of glassware only
• Branding strategy

Correct Answer: Solvent selection and control of mixing/evaporation parameters to ensure reproducible complexation

Q26. In a phytosome complex, why is H-bonding between phytoconstituent and phospholipid important?

• It prevents any interaction, keeping them separate
• It stabilizes the complex and improves lipophilicity for membrane interaction
• It causes immediate precipitation in aqueous media
• It degrades the phospholipid structure irreversibly

Correct Answer: It stabilizes the complex and improves lipophilicity for membrane interaction

Q27. Which parameter is used to calculate entrapment or complexation efficiency experimentally?

• Ratio of lipid to surfactant only
• (Total amount of drug − free uncomplexed drug) / Total amount of drug × 100
• Particle size × zeta potential
• Optical rotation measurement

Correct Answer: (Total amount of drug − free uncomplexed drug) / Total amount of drug × 100

Q28. Which advanced herbal delivery system is best suited for enhancing transdermal delivery of lipophilic phytoconstituents?

• Hydrophilic polymer tablets only
• Nanoemulsions and lipid-based vesicular systems
• Unprocessed crude extract powder
• Immediate release aqueous capsules exclusively

Correct Answer: Nanoemulsions and lipid-based vesicular systems

Q29. Which statement about phytosome pharmacokinetics is correct?

• Phytosomes always eliminate the need for dosing adjustments
• Phytosomes can alter absorption rate and extent, potentially modifying Tmax and Cmax
• They render the drug completely non-bioavailable
• They prevent any metabolism of the phytoconstituent

Correct Answer: Phytosomes can alter absorption rate and extent, potentially modifying Tmax and Cmax

Q30. Which of the following is a critical quality attribute for herbal nanoformulations impacting performance and safety?

• Particle size distribution and polydispersity index
• Number of marketing claims
• Color of outer packaging only
• Sales volume in first week

Correct Answer: Particle size distribution and polydispersity index

Download