Cyclodextrins as encapsulation agents for plant bioactive compounds.

Eva Pinho, Martin Grootveld, Graça Soares, Mariana Henriques

Journal: Carbohydrate polymers 2014;101():121-35

PMID: 24299757

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Plants possess a wide range of molecules capable of improve healing: fibre, vitamins, phytosterols, and further sulphur-containing compounds, carotenoids, organic acid anions and polyphenolics. However, they require an adequate level of protection from the environmental conditions to prevent losing their structural integrity and bioactivity. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides arising from the degradation of starch, which can be a viable option as encapsulation technique. Cyclodextrins are inexpensive, friendly to humans, and also capable of improving the biological, chemical and physical properties of bioactive molecules. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the use of cyclodextrins as encapsulating agents for bioactive plant molecules in the pharmaceutical field.

Address: Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, Campus Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.08.078