Pharmaceutical technological trends containing flavonoids: a patent review

Area of Science:

• * Pharmaceutical Sciences
• * Medicinal Chemistry
• * Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• * Flavonoids possess significant anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties.
• * Clinical applications are hindered by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and limited intestinal absorption.
• * These limitations reduce the overall pharmacological efficacy of flavonoid compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review and analyze patents on innovative pharmaceutical technologies for flavonoids.
• * To identify advanced formulation strategies that overcome bioavailability challenges.
• * To highlight the potential of these technologies in enhancing flavonoid therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• * Patent databases from the World Intellectual Property Organization and European Patent Office were searched.
• * A comprehensive screening process identified 38 relevant patents for detailed examination.
• * Analysis focused on novel formulations, characterizations, and proprietary conditions of flavonoid delivery systems.

Main Results:

• * Patents reveal diverse technologies including nanocapsules, nanoemulsions, solid dispersions, phospholipid carriers, inclusion complexes, and microemulsions.
• * These advanced systems effectively enhance the water solubility and stability of flavonoid compounds.
• * Improved solubility and stability translate to enhanced permeability and absorption via various administration routes.

Conclusions:

• * Pharmaceutical technologies offer viable solutions to the bioavailability challenges of flavonoids.
• * Advanced formulations significantly improve the absorption and stability of these bioactive molecules.
• * Integrating flavonoids into novel drug delivery systems maximizes their therapeutic potential for various treatments.