Advancements in Cyclodextrin Complexes with Bioactive Secondary Metabolites and Their Pharmaceutical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Cyclodextrins (CDs) are widely recognized for their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• CDs form inclusion complexes (ICs) with lipophilic compounds, enhancing their pharmaceutical utility.
• Recent research (2022-2025) focuses on ICs of CDs with secondary metabolites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent research on cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CD-ICs) with secondary metabolites.
• To categorize CD-ICs based on the structure of polyphenols (PPs), terpenes/terpenoids (TTs), and alkaloids (Alks).
• To analyze the benefits, materials, studies, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, risks, and future perspectives of these CD-ICs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review prioritizing research from 2022-2025.
• Systematization of CD-ICs based on secondary metabolite structure (PPs, TTs, Alks).
• Discussion of complexation benefits, composite materials, in vitro/in vivo studies, theoretical studies, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, risks, and limitations.

Main Results:

• Recent studies show significant potential for CD-ICs in drug delivery.
• Complexation enhances the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of various secondary metabolites.
• In vitro, in vivo, and theoretical studies confirm the efficacy and safety profiles of specific CD-ICs.

Conclusions:

• Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes offer promising strategies for improving the therapeutic applications of natural secondary metabolites.
• Further research into pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and risk assessment is crucial for clinical translation.
• Future perspectives include the development of novel composite materials and advanced drug delivery systems utilizing CD-ICs.