Advancements in Solid Dispersions for Enhancing Drug Solubility and Bioavailability: Insights on Anticancer and Herbal Medicines

The enhancement of drug solubility and bioavailability is a significant challenge in pharmaceutical sciences. Solid dispersions have emerged as a promising strategy to address this issue. This research provides a comprehensive review of the advancements in solid dispersion technologies, focusing on the classification and characteristics of different generations of solid dispersions. The study highlights the evolution from first-generation solid dispersions, utilizing crystalline carriers, to fourth-generation systems that incorporate water-insoluble polymers and surfactants to improve drug release and bioavailability. The efficacy of various carriers and techniques, such as hot melt extrusion and solvent evaporation, are critically analyzed. Additionally, the impact of these advancements on poorly soluble anticancer drugs and herbal medicines is discussed, providing insights into future research directions and potential therapeutic applications.