Cyclodextrin
Synopsis of cyclodextrin
Cyclodextrins are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides made from glucose molecules linked in a ring. Derived enzymatically from starch, these molecules have a unique donut-like shape with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) exterior and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) inner cavity, which allows them to encapsulate and stabilize fat-soluble or poorly soluble compounds. This inclusion capability makes cyclodextrins highly valuable in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic applications.
The most common types are:
- α-cyclodextrin (6 glucose units)
- β-cyclodextrin (7 glucose units)
- γ-cyclodextrin (8 glucose units)
In medicine and supplements, cyclodextrins are used as carrier molecules to:
- Improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble ingredients (e.g., curcumin, CoQ10, resveratrol)
- Mask unpleasant tastes or odors
- Stabilize sensitive compounds from degradation due to heat, light, or oxidation
- Control the release and absorption rate of active compounds
Cyclodextrins themselves are largely inert, non-toxic, and not absorbed intact by the gastrointestinal tract. They are considered safe for oral use, though high doses of β-cyclodextrin may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Modified cyclodextrins (like hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) are often used to further enhance solubility and safety.
Historical Use
Cyclodextrins are a modern innovation with no traditional or herbal medicinal use. They were first discovered in 1891 by French scientist Villiers, who observed that certain bacteria could convert starch into unusual ring-shaped molecules. However, practical and industrial applications didn’t emerge until the mid-20th century, when enzymatic methods allowed for efficient large-scale production.
By the 1980s and 1990s, cyclodextrins became widely used in pharmaceutical formulations to improve drug delivery, particularly for lipophilic drugs. Their use has since expanded into:
- Functional supplements (e.g., cyclodextrin-bound curcumin for higher absorption)
- Food industry (e.g., stabilizing flavors, masking bitterness)
- Cosmetics and fragrances (for controlled scent release and stability)
- Environmental and industrial applications, including toxin binding and removal of contaminants
Although not a nutrient or herb, cyclodextrins are now considered essential in formulation science, particularly in natural health and wellness products where they allow low-bioavailability compounds to become clinically effective. They serve as a bridge between herbal actives and pharmaceutical precision, enhancing the reliability and consistency of many botanical ingredients.
Cyclodextrin is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
