What is a phytosome?
A phytosome is a complex of a plant compound, such as curcumin, and phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine. The fat-based building blocks form a complex with the compound and are meant to improve its absorption in the gut. It is one of several bioavailability technologies.
Phytosome explained
The term combines phyto (plant) and -some (body). A phytosome is formed when a plant compound is physically and chemically bound to phospholipids (for example phosphatidylcholine from sunflower or soy). Phospholipids are also the building blocks of our cell membranes and are both fat- and water-friendly. “Packaged” like this, a compound such as curcumin that dissolves poorly in water can come into better contact with the gut cells.
The name goes back to a manufacturer that developed the process and held it as a brand. In everyday use it is now often applied generally to phospholipid complexes.
Phytosomes with curcumin
Ordinary curcumin is poorly absorbed: it barely dissolves in water and is quickly broken down. Our articles count phytosomes among the technologies that tackle this without piperine. The curcumin is bound to phospholipids; absorption is considered solid and tolerability very good. In osteoarthritis studies, too, phytosome curcumin has been used, for example Meriva in a registry study at 1 g of complex per day (about 200 mg curcumin per day).
On the numbers: depending on formulation and study, modern technologies are reported to raise absorption about 7- to 185-fold compared with powder. The upper figure comes from a micelle study, not from phytosome research; for phytosomes alone, no reliable factor can be derived from it.
Three bioavailability technologies compared
Simplified view of the principles.
| Technology | Principle | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Phytosome | Principle compound bound to phospholipids | Characteristic fat-based, well tolerated |
| Technology Micelles | Principle compound in tiny droplets with an emulsifier | Characteristic liquid or powder, often high factor |
| Technology γ-Cyclodextrin | Principle compound enclosed in a sugar ring | Characteristic water-soluble complex, no emulsifier |
What to look for
Whether a product really contains a phytosome shows in the ingredient list (phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine or a phytosome statement). More important than the name are the facts: how many curcuminoids per serving, is there human absorption data, and is a lab certificate available? If you have a soy allergy, check the origin of soy-based phosphatidylcholine.
Phytosomes change absorption, not how the compound acts. Even with better-absorbed curcumin the usual cautions apply: talk to your doctor first if you take medication (especially blood thinners), are pregnant or have pre-existing conditions. Not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions about phytosomes
Is a phytosome the same as a liposome? No. Liposomes are vesicles of phospholipids with a cavity in which a compound is enclosed. In a phytosome the compound itself is bound to the phospholipids. Both do use phospholipids, though.
Is a phytosome better than γ-cyclodextrin or micelles? That cannot be said across the board. Each technology has its own studies, doses and measurement methods, so numbers are hard to compare directly. It is best to look at what data exist for the specific product.
Is it vegan? That depends on the source of the phospholipids. From sunflower or soy they are plant-based. You will find this on the label or from the manufacturer.
