Flavonoids loaded in nanocarriers: an opportunity to increase oral bioavailability and bioefficacy.

Flavonoids are among the biggest group of polyphenols, widely distributed in plant-based foods. A plethora of evidence supports the health benefits and value of flavonoids can play in the physio- logical function treatment and in the prevention of disease particularly in the prevention of dege- nerative conditions including cancers, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, flavonoids represent the active constituents of many dietary supplements and herbal remedies, as well as there is an increasing interest in this class of polyphenols as functional ingredients of be- verages, food grains and dairy products. Conversely, various studies have also shown that flavo- noids have some drawbacks after oral administration such as stability, bioavailability and bioeffi- cacy. This article reviews the current status of novel nanodelivery systems including nanospheres, nanocaspsules, micro- and nanoemulsions, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid capsules, successfully developed for overcoming the delivery challenges of flavonoids.