Exploring Cyclodextrin Complexes of Lipophilic Antioxidants: Benefits and Challenges in Nutraceutical Development

Jug, Mario; Radić, Kristina; Nižić Nodilo, Laura; Galić, Emerik; Petković, Tea; Jurić, Marina; Golub, Nikolina; Jerić, Ivanka; Vitali Čepo, Dubravka (2025) Exploring Cyclodextrin Complexes of Lipophilic Antioxidants: Benefits and Challenges in Nutraceutical Development. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26 (23). ISSN 1422-0067

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Abstract

Antioxidants are essential bioactive compounds widely recognized for their health benefits in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. However, many lipophilic antioxidants suffer from poor aqueous solubility, low chemical stability, and limited bioavailability, restricting their application in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Cyclodextrins (CDs), a class of cyclic oligosaccharides with a hydrophilic exterior and lipophilic interior, present an effective strategy to encapsulate and deliver these compounds by improving their solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. This review critically examines the structural features and derivatives of cyclodextrins relevant for antioxidant encapsulation, mechanisms and thermodynamics of inclusion complex formation, and advanced characterization techniques. It evaluates the influence of CD encapsulation on the oral bioavailability and antioxidant activity of various lipophilic antioxidants supported by recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, sustainable preparation methods for CD complexes are discussed alongside safety and regulatory considerations. The comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge contributes to guiding the rational design and development of CD-based antioxidant nutraceuticals, addressing formulation challenges while promoting efficacy and consumer safety.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cyclodextrin; inclusion complex; antioxidant; carotenoid; retinoid; tocopherol; curcumin; capsaicin
Subjects:	BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE > Pharmacy > Pharmacy
Divisions:	Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Projects:	Project title Project leader Project code Project type Primjena održivih principa ekstrakcije i formulacije u razvoju nutraceutika iz otpada rajčice Dubravka Vitali Čepo IP-2022-10-4597 HrZZ Razvoj inovativnih formulacija kliničke prehrane- Ivanka Jerić; Marijeta Kralj KK.01.1.1.07.0040 EK Application of Nanobiotechnology for Nutritional Supplementation with Selenium Dubravka Vitali Čepo DOK-2021-02-6801 HrZZ
Depositing User:	Lorena Palameta
Date Deposited:	04 Mar 2026 08:17
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/11304
DOI:	10.3390/ijms262311682

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