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Review

Oleosome Delivery Systems: Enhancing Stability and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products and Xenobiotics

by
Marlon C. Mallillin III
1,2,
Roi Martin B. Pajimna
2,3,
Shengnan Zhao
1,4,
Maryam Salami
1,5,
Raimar Loebenberg
1,* and
Neal M. Davies
1,*
1
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
2
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines
3
The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines
4
China Z. Pharmaceutical Productivity Centre, Beijing 101111, China
5
Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj Campus, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(10), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101303
Submission received: 19 August 2025 / Revised: 1 October 2025 / Accepted: 6 October 2025 / Published: 7 October 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Pharmaceuticals Focused on Anti-inflammatory Activities)

Abstract

Oleosomes are submicron oil bodies of a triacylglycerol core enveloped by a phospholipid monolayer and embedded proteins, forming a naturally assembled nanocarrier with exceptional oxidative resilience, interfacial stability, and biocompatibility. Their unique architecture supports solvent-free extraction, self-emulsification, and near-complete encapsulation of highly lipophilic compounds (log P > 4), including curcumin and cannabidiol, with reported efficiencies exceeding 95%. These plant-derived droplets enhance oral bioavailability through lymphatic uptake and enable targeted delivery strategies such as magnetically guided chemotherapy, which has reduced tumor burden by approximately 70% in vivo. The review critically examines recent advances in oleosome research, spanning botanical sourcing, green extraction technologies, interfacial engineering, xenobiotic encapsulation, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic applications across oncology, dermatology, metabolic disease, and regenerative medicine. Comparative analyses demonstrate that oleosomes rival or surpass synthetic lipid nanocarriers in encapsulation efficiency, oxidative stability, and cost efficiency while offering a sustainable, clean-label alternative. Remaining challenges, including low loading of hydrophilic drugs, allergenicity, and regulatory standardization, are addressed through emerging strategies such as hybrid oleosome–liposome systems, recombinant oleosin engineering, and stimulus-responsive coatings. These advances position oleosomes as a versatile and scalable platform with significant potential for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
Keywords: oleosomes; lipid nanocarriers; drug delivery; natural products; xenobiotics oleosomes; lipid nanocarriers; drug delivery; natural products; xenobiotics

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Mallillin III, M.C.; Pajimna, R.M.B.; Zhao, S.; Salami, M.; Loebenberg, R.; Davies, N.M. Oleosome Delivery Systems: Enhancing Stability and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products and Xenobiotics. Pharmaceutics 2025, 17, 1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101303

AMA Style

Mallillin III MC, Pajimna RMB, Zhao S, Salami M, Loebenberg R, Davies NM. Oleosome Delivery Systems: Enhancing Stability and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products and Xenobiotics. Pharmaceutics. 2025; 17(10):1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101303

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mallillin III, Marlon C., Roi Martin B. Pajimna, Shengnan Zhao, Maryam Salami, Raimar Loebenberg, and Neal M. Davies. 2025. "Oleosome Delivery Systems: Enhancing Stability and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products and Xenobiotics" Pharmaceutics 17, no. 10: 1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101303

APA Style

Mallillin III, M. C., Pajimna, R. M. B., Zhao, S., Salami, M., Loebenberg, R., & Davies, N. M. (2025). Oleosome Delivery Systems: Enhancing Stability and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products and Xenobiotics. Pharmaceutics, 17(10), 1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101303

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