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Review
. 2025 Feb 22;17(3):288.
doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030288.

Cyclodextrins: Enhancing Drug Delivery, Solubility and Bioavailability for Modern Therapeutics

Oana Elena Nicolaescu  1 , Ionela Belu  1 , Andreea Gabriela Mocanu  1 , Valentin Costel Manda  2 , Gabriela Rău  3 , Andreea Silvia Pîrvu  4 , Cătălina Ionescu  5 , Felicia Ciulu-Costinescu  6 , Mariana Popescu  7 , Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu  2
Affiliations
Review

Cyclodextrins: Enhancing Drug Delivery, Solubility and Bioavailability for Modern Therapeutics

Oana Elena Nicolaescu et al. Pharmaceutics. .

Abstract

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry with their ability to enhance the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of a wide range of active substances. These cyclic oligosaccharides, with a unique hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic cavity, form inclusion complexes with poorly soluble drugs, improving their pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic efficacy. This review explores the multifaceted roles of cyclodextrins in pharmaceutical formulations, ranging from oral, ophthalmic, parenteral, and topical applications to their emerging use in targeted therapies, gene delivery, and treatment of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. Cyclodextrins not only improve drug solubility and controlled release but also reduce toxicity and side effects, leading to safer and more effective treatments. Recent advancements, such as cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles, offer promising pathways for cancer therapy, chronic disease management, and personalized medicine. As research continues, cyclodextrins remain at the forefront of innovation in drug delivery systems, ensuring better patient outcomes and expanding the possibilities of modern therapeutics.

Keywords: bioavailability; cyclodextrins; drug delivery systems; inclusion complexes; pharmaceutical formulations; solubility enhancement.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cyclodextrin structure and inclusion complex.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Graph of publications related to cyclodextrins in the last 10 years.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The effect of cyclodextrins over the encapsulated drug.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Pharmaceutical forms utilizing cyclodextrins for enhanced drug delivery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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