Resveratrol (RES) is a naturally occurring polyphenol with multiple bioactivities but unfavorable physicochemical properties that limit therapeutic use. The review explains that cyclodextrins (CDs) act as cyclic oligosaccharide host molecules able to form inclusion complexes (ICs) with guest compounds such as RES. Complexation can shield hydrophobic moieties, enhance aqueous solubility, and protect labile molecules from chemical degradation.
The abstract emphasizes the importance of understanding host–guest interactions at a physicochemical level to rationally design CD–RES systems. Specific details such as binding constants, stoichiometry, or thermodynamic parameters were not reported in the abstract and require consultation of the full text for quantitative characterization.
The review outlines mechanistic pathways through which CDs can improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of RES. Key mechanisms include increased apparent aqueous solubility via encapsulation, protection from oxidative or photochemical degradation, and modulation of release kinetics that may slow rapid metabolism. By improving solubility and stability, CDs can increase the fraction of RES available for absorption and reduce pre-systemic loss.
The abstract indicates that both the physicochemical stabilization and altered release profiles contribute to enhanced biological activity observed in experimental models. Exact mechanistic data, such as impacts on specific metabolic pathways or transporter interactions, were not detailed in the abstract.
Conventional CDs/RES inclusion complexes are described as a primary strategy to address RES limitations. Formation of these ICs is a straightforward supramolecular approach in which RES molecules are accommodated within the CD cavity. Benefits cited include improved solubility and chemical stability, which are prerequisites for better in vitro activity and in vivo performance.
The abstract does not enumerate specific types of native CDs (for example, alpha, beta, gamma) or modified derivatives used, nor does it provide quantitative outcomes for solubility enhancement—such details are within the full review.
Beyond conventional inclusion complexes, the review highlights several advanced CD-based platforms:
CD-based nanosponges, which are cross-linked CD polymers that can encapsulate larger amounts of guest molecules and potentially provide controlled release.
Hybrid nanosystems, where CDs are integrated with other nanocarrier technologies to combine benefits such as targeting, controlled release, or improved stability.
Topical and transdermal formulations, where CD complexation can increase solubility and skin permeation potential for non-oral routes of administration.
The abstract reports that these platforms have shown encouraging outcomes in recent years for enhancing biological activity and modulating release kinetics. Specific formulations, cross-linkers, or comparative efficacy data are not reported in the abstract.
The review summarizes experimental evidence that CD-based strategies improve RES performance in both in vitro and in vivo models. Outcomes cited in the abstract include enhanced biological activity and modified release kinetics across models. However, the abstract does not provide study-level outcomes, effect sizes, animal species, or model details. Those specifics, including experimental methods and quantitative results, are contained in the full article and are necessary for critical interpretation.
The abstract acknowledges current challenges that hinder translation of CD-enabled RES strategies to clinical use. These include the underlying issues with RES itself (stability, metabolism, bioavailability) and practical or regulatory aspects of novel CD-based formulations. Safety, dosing, stability under manufacturing conditions, and in-human pharmacokinetics are implied areas of concern, but the abstract does not list detailed safety data or regulatory status of specific CD derivatives.
The authors declare no competing financial interests related to the work, which is relevant when evaluating potential biases in reporting translational claims.
The review concludes by discussing future perspectives for optimizing RES delivery using CDs. It calls for comprehensive understanding of CD–RES interactions and further development of advanced platforms to maximize therapeutic performance. Emphasis is placed on bridging preclinical findings to clinical application through improved formulation design and mechanistic studies.
The abstract signals the need for more detailed, quantitative studies—particularly those that report pharmacokinetic improvements, standardized comparative data across CD types and platforms, safety profiles, and human data. Specific recommendations, timelines, or prioritized research pathways were not provided in the abstract.
Note on source scope and limitations
All statements in this summary are drawn from the PubMed abstract (Carbohydr Polym. 2026; DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125526). The abstract provides an overview of themes, mechanisms, and platform types but does not report numerical results, comparative metrics, or detailed experimental protocols. For full experimental data, quantitative outcomes, and specific formulation details, consult the full text of the review.