Cyclodextrins in Food Technology and Human Nutrition: Benefits and Limitations.

Cyclodextrins are tasteless, odorless, nondigestible, noncaloric, noncariogenic saccharides, which reduce the digestion of carbohydrates and lipids. They have low glycemic index and decrease the glycemic index of the food. They are either non- or only partly digestible by the enzymes of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and fermented by the gut microflora. Based on these properties, cyclodextrins are dietary fibers useful for controlling the body weight and blood lipid profile. They are prebiotics, improve the intestinal microflora by selective proliferation of bifidobacteria. These antiobesity and anti-diabetic effects make them bioactive food supplements and nutraceuticals. In this review, these features are evaluated for α-, ß- and γ-cyclodextrins, which are the cyclodextrin variants approved by authorities for food applications. The mechanisms behind these effects are reviewed together with the applications as solubilizers, stabilizers of dietary lipids, such as unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and other nutraceuticals. The recent applications of cyclodextrins for reducing unwanted components, such as trans-fats, allergens, mycotoxins, acrylamides, bitter compounds, as well as in smart active packaging of foods are also overviewed.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of beta-cyclodextrin derivatives: evidence for the role of cholesterol extraction.

Several beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) derivatives have been synthesized recently to improve the physicochemical properties and inclusion capacities of the parent molecule, however, there is limited information available about their cytotoxic effects. In this study we investigated the cytotoxic and hemolytic properties of various beta-CDs in correlation with their cholesterol-solubilizing capacities to expose the mechanism of toxicity. MTT cell viability test, performed on Caco-2 cells showed significant differences between the cytotoxicity of beta-CD derivatives. Cell toxicity of methylated-beta-CDs was the highest, while ionic derivatives proved to be less toxic than methylated ones. Most of the second generation beta-CD derivatives, having both ionic and methyl substituents showed less cytotoxicity than the parent compounds both on Caco-2 cells and human erythrocytes. Inclusion of cholesterol into the ring of randomly methylated-beta-CD and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-CD abolished the cell toxicity indicating the role of cholesterol extraction in cytotoxicity. These data demonstrate the correlation between the cytotoxic effect, hemolytic activity and the cholesterol complexation attributes of beta-CD derivatives and we propose that cholesterol-solubilizing properties can be a predictive factor for beta-CD cell toxicity.

Cytotoxicity of different types of methylated beta-cyclodextrins and ionic derivatives.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are widely used materials and still in the focus of drug development. In spite of the extensive studies, there is limited information about the cytotoxic effect of different derivatives. This study compares the cytotoxic effect of methylated beta-CDs and some ionic derivatives. The methylated CDs involved in this study differ in the number and position of the methyl substituents. Heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-CD (DIMEB) with a degree of substitution (DS) of 14 has two methyl groups in all of the seven glucose subunits mostly at O-2 and O-6 position, each OH group is methylated in heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-CD (TRIMEB) (DS = 21), and an unsystematic substitution is realized in randomly methylated beta-CD (RAMEB). DS is defined as the number of substituents per cyclodextrin ring. Using the above definition, the DS for RAMEB is 12.6. To see the effect of the ionic groups an anionic and a cationic CD derivative were also investigated: (2-hydroxy-3-N,N,N-trimethylamino)propyl beta-CD (QABCD) (DS = 2) and carboxymethylated beta-CD (CMBCD) (DS = 3,5). The in vitro cell toxicity decreases in the order of DIMEB > TRIMEB > or = RAMEB > QABCD > CMBCD. Ionic beta-CDs were less toxic than the methylated derivatives.

Cholesterol potentiates ABCG2 activity in a heterologous expression system: improved in vitro model to study function of human ABCG2.

ABCG2, a transporter of the ATP-binding cassette family, is known to play a prominent role in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics. Drug-transporter interactions are commonly screened by high-throughput systems using transfected insect and/or human cell lines. The determination of ABCG2-ATPase activity is one method to identify ABCG2 substrate and inhibitors. We demonstrate that the ATPase activities of the human ABCG2 transfected Sf9 cell membranes (MXR-Sf9) and ABCG2-overexpressing human cell membranes (MXR-M) differ. Variation due to disparity in the glycosylation level of the protein had no effect on the transporter. The influence of cholesterol on ABCG2-ATPase activity was investigated because the lipid compositions of insect and human cells are largely different from each other. Differences in cholesterol content, shown by cholesterol loading and depletion experiments, conferred the difference in stimulation of basal ABCG2-ATPase of the two cell membranes. Basal ABCG2-ATPase activity could be stimulated by sulfasalazine, prazosin, and topotecan, known substrates of ABCG2 in cholesterol-loaded MXR-Sf9 and MXR-M cell membranes. In contrast, ABCG2-ATPase could not be stimulated in MXR-Sf9 or in cholesterol-depleted MXR-M membranes. Moreover, cholesterol loading significantly improved the drug transport into inside-out membrane vesicles prepared from MXR-Sf9 cells. MXR-M and cholesterol-loaded MXR-Sf9 cell membranes displayed similar ABCG2-ATPase activity and vesicular transport. Our study indicates an essential role of membrane cholesterol for the function of ABCG2.

Release of alpha-tocopherol from antioxidative low-density polyethylene film into fatty food simulant: influence of complexation in beta-cyclodextrin.

The release of alpha-tocopherol from two formulations (with and without complexation with beta-cyclodextrin) of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film was examined. Specific migration studies were performed at 7.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C using plastic bags filled with 95% ethanol as a fatty food simulant. The amount of complexed and free (non-complexed) alpha-tocopherol migrating into the food simulant was followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was concluded that complexation with beta-cyclodextrin had a significant effect on the release rate of the antioxidant. Using a mathematical model for the description of the migration, a decrease in diffusion coefficient (D) of one order of magnitude was calculated in the case of complexed alpha-tocopherol compared with the free form. Total migration of alpha-tocopherol from both films was observed, meaning that the partition coefficient of tocopherol was not influenced by incorporation with cyclodextrin. Thus, complexation might be the key to a long-lasting antioxidative effect of such kind of active packaging.

Novel stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of cyclodextrin derivatives.

Novel stationary phases were prepared for separation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives by bonding substituted aromatic groups (phenyl and naphthyl) to the silica gel matrix. Both the electron-withdrawing (nitro) and the hydrogen-donor/acceptor (amide or carbamide) substituents of the phenyl group play essential role in the separation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives. On the basis of the comparison of experimental data obtained on different columns the N-(4-nitrophenyl)-carbamide group bonded silica gel stationary phase was selected as the most effective one for analysis of cyclodextrin derivatives. Improved separation potency was observed for hydroxypropylated, methylated and several other cyclodextrin derivatives compared with the previously and presently used stationary phases. Owing to the strong retention of cyclodextrins and its derivatives on the selected column, detection of their decomposition products was easily achieved. Determination of unsubstituted, natural cyclodextrin as an impurity in the cyclodextrin derivatives was implemented. Identification and characterization of cyclodextrin derivatives in industrial products could also be performed.

Elimination of bitter, disgusting tastes of drugs and foods by cyclodextrins.

The bitter taste of drugs, food components, and any other substances which get in the mouth as dissolved in an aqueous solution, or in the saliva, can be strongly reduced or fully eliminated, if the bitter component forms an inclusion complex with an appropriate cyclodextrin (CD). The value of the complex association constant (determined by the structure of the bitter 'guest' molecule and the size and eventual substitution of the 'host' CD molecule), the temperature and the host/guest ratio determine the extent of complexation of the guest molecule (percentage of complexation) at the equilibrium. The K(ass) for most drug/CD complexes at 36 degrees C buccal cavity temperature is between 10(2) and 10(4) mol-1. If the unit dose (of a sublingual or chewing tablet, chewing gum) with a bitter drug (molecular weight of about 150, forming a 1:1 complex with betaCD) is approximately 10mg then the betaCD can be taken in a 5- or even 10-fold molar excess. Under such conditions more than 99% of the bitter drug is complexed, and because complexed molecules cannot react with the taste buds in the buccal cavity no bitter taste is perceived. Frequently, preparation of the drug/CD complex is not necessary, because the betaCD is present in a large excess, dissolved very quickly in the saliva and results in a saturated CD solution. Therefore, the complexation of the bitter drug is completed very rapidly. Only dissolved substances have taste and only CD complexable drug molecules can become debittered by CDs. Bitter, astringent components of foods (e.g. soya), beverages (e.g. naringin in citrus fruit juice, or chlorogenic acid and polyphenols in coffee) cigarette smoke (nicotine) also can be complexed and their taste reduced or fully eliminated.

Cyclodextrins in oligonucleotide delivery.

The aim of this contribution is to summarize recent findings on the potential use of cyclodextrins and their derivatives as carriers for oligonucleotide agents. Their peculiar properties could be exploited in such an emerging therapeutic area by virtue of their capability of interacting with cellular membranes, thus giving rise to improved cellular uptake. In particular, some specific derivatives could be considered as promising future excipients for the delivery of "naked" antisense and/or decoy oligonucleotides which are difficult to formulate with existing pharmaceutical excipients.

Cyclodextrin complexes of salts of acidic drugs. Thermodynamic properties, structural features, and pharmaceutical applications.

The objective of this mini-review is to summarize the findings concerning the physicochemical properties and the pharmaceutical applications of acidic drugs whose performances have been modified by simultaneous complexation with cyclodextrins and salt formation. Particular attention is paid to the approaches undertaken for increasing the solubility of the drugs by proper choice of the type of counterion analogously to what has been reported for complexes of basic drugs in the presence of hydroxy acids.

The inclusion of fluoxetine into gamma-cyclodextrin increases its bioavailability: behavioral, electrophysiological and pharmacokinetic studies.

The inclusion of a drug into cyclodextrin generally results in the modification of its physical and chemical properties and sometimes can increase its oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the fluoxetine HCl/gamma-cyclodextrin complex to that of traditional fluoxetine HCl. In the forced swimming test in mice, fluoxetine HCl/gamma-cyclodextrin was more effective than fluoxetine HCl, the ED30s being, respectively, 9.5 and 16.9 mg/kg PO. Both compounds (10 mg/kg PO) were able to reduce the firing rate of dorsal raphe neurons in the rat. However, between-groups comparisons showed no significant differences between fluoxetine HCl treated animals and the vehicle group, while fluoxetine HCl/gamma-cyclodextrin appeared significantly more effective than vehicle from minute 25 of the measurement period. In healthy volunteers, the relative oral bioavailability, calculated as the ratio AUC 0-infinity fluoxetine HCl/gamma-cyclodextrin on AUC 0-infinity fluoxetine HCl (20 mg PO), was equal to 249.9%. The three experiments taken together suggest that the complexation of fluoxetine HCl into gamma-cyclodextrin increases its pharmacological efficacy in animals, this effect being related to an enhancement of its oral bioavailability as demonstrated in human healthy subjects.

Drug/cyclodextrin/hydroxy acid multicomponent systems. Properties and pharmaceutical applications.

The objective of this mini-review is to summarize the findings concerning the properties and the pharmaceutical applications of multicomponent complexes made of a sparingly water-soluble amino-type drug, a cyclodextrin, and a hydroxy carboxylic acid. Simultaneous complexation and salt formation with these acids significantly increase the solubilizing power, allowing us to reduce the amount of cyclodextrin necessary for making the targeted formulation. In many cases, the aqueous solubility of the hydrophobic drug can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude, while that of CD can be enhanced more than 10-fold. The mechanism through which these complexes elicit their synergetic effects on the drug solubility is also discussed. Finally, some general observations are made concerning the structural requirements of the drug necessary for exploiting the aforementioned effect.

Highly soluble cyclodextrin derivatives: chemistry, properties, and trends in development.

As the first pharmaceutical products which contain highly soluble cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives (e.g. Sporanox=itraconazole/HP-beta-CD by Janssen and Clorocil=chloramphenicol/methyl-beta-CD by Oftalder) are already on the market it seems to be timely to give an overview on the technological and commercial aspects of the chemically modified water-soluble CDs as drug carriers. This chapter deals with the chemistry and general properties of water-soluble CDs and follows the trends in their development. The quality requirements of industrially relevant water-soluble CDs together with the quality-assurance-related analytical techniques, are thought help understand how difficult the characterization and approval processes of such novel excipients are. Literature data taken from Cyclolab's databank support the validity of statements in evaluation of trends of development of CD derivatives as pharmaceutical excipients.

Water soluble complexes of C14 and C16 fatty acids and alcohols in media for cultivation of leprosy-derived psychrophilic mycobacteria.

Host-grown Mycobacterium leprae cell suspensions oxidized water-soluble complexes of palmitic acid, myristic acid, cetyl alcohol, and myristyl alcohol prepared with randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrin as host molecules. Gas chromatography analysis showed that the water-soluble complexes retained their chemical structure following sterilization in the autoclave. Bioavailability of the two long-chain fatty acids and the corresponding long-chain alcohols was confirmed by Warburg manometric techniques with host-grown M. leprae cell suspensions. Inoculated with host-grown M. leprae cells in chemically well-defined, simple liquid and agar media, acid-fast bacilli were cultivable in primary cultures and subcultures at 10 degrees C with (NH4)2SO4 as the N source and water-soluble palmitic acid, myristic acid, cetyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol as the C and potent energy sources. M. phlei oxidized the complexed palmitic acid and myristic acid but not cetyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol. On agar media with any of these four carbon sources and (NH4)2SO4 but not ammonium thioglycolate as the N source, M. phlei grew abundantly at 36 degrees C. In liquid media only myristyl alcohol supported growth of M. phlei without any growth with palmitic acid, cetyl alcohol or myristic acid. The leprosy-derived, cold-loving cultures ("M. psychrophilum") were not fully tested for classification and identification. The cells are strongly acid-fast facultative psychrophiles, adapted in subcultures to mesophilic growth. They grow in chemically well-defined media with 14 and 16 C long-chain fatty acids or alcohols as the C and energy sources. None of the cultures grow on Low-enstein or 7H9 media. Heat-killed suspensions of the 4th and 6th subcultures provoke Mitsuda-type late skin reactions in tuberculoid, borderline and borderline-tuberculoid but not in lepromatous leprosy volunteers. When grown with (NH4)2SO4 as the N source (but not with the reducing agent ammonium thioglycolate) the subcultures multiplied abundantly in the foot pads of mice. It became evident that leprosy-derived, facultative psychrophilic mycobacteria really exist. Mycobacteria of this cluster do not distinguish between 14 or 16 C long chains with COOH or CH2OH as terminal bindings. Cells are quite aerophilic and grow preferentially on agar slant surfaces.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Water soluble complex of palmitic acid in media for cultivation of leprosy-derived psychrophilic mycobacteria from Mycobacterium leprae infected tissues.

Palmitic acid and palmitates were transformed into water soluble complexes with crystalline heptakis-2,6-di-0-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. This formulation was incorporated into liquid and solid chemically well-defined media. The fatty acid served as C and energy source, ammonium thioglycolate as the sole source of N with the SH group as further source of energy. Minute amount of dimethyl-sulfoxide added was used for its known effect on cell membrane permeability. The media were inoculated with host grown Mycobacterium leprae cells isolated from human, armadillo and Nu mice foot pad lepromata. No growth occurred in the liquid medium at 22 or 32 degrees C, but cultures and subcultures of acid fast rods were grown at 10 degrees C. Bacilli in the cultures were solid, strongly acid fast rods, growing in clumps like globi. Growth on the semisolid media was visible as smooth round colonies, of white to ivory in colour, slowly expanding flatly at the periphery of the colony on the agar surface. Colonies developed within 2-3 weeks and reached maximum size at 50-80 days depending on the size of inoculum. Subcultures grow faster and more abundantly with adaptation to the media. No growth was seen without the water soluble complexes of palmitic acid or palmitates in the media. The free fatty acid or its salts had an equal growth supporting effect. Identical psychrophilic cultures were obtained from 7 out of 9 armadillo, 12 out of 12 Nu mice and 1 out of 2 human lepromata. None of the cultures grow on Loewenstein, Dubos or 7H9 media at 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C or 32 degrees C, respectively. The tested 4th to 7th subcultures of the strains were strongly positive for phenolic glycolipid-1. Heat killed suspensions of up to 7th subcultures gave negative late skin reaction in all of 16 LL cases. In 19 I, B and T cases the late skin reactions were all similar to that obtained with authentic human lepromin.

Suppositories containing cyclodextrin complexes. Part 2: Dissolution and absorption studies.

The dissolution and absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs from rectal suppositories can be enhanced by complexing these substances (e.g., essential oils, indomethacin) with beta-cyclodextrin. Preliminary in vivo studies showed, that the application of cyclodextrin complexes to suppositories, the same as to oral applications, resulted in an increased blood level.

Suppositories containing beta-cyclodextrin complexes. Part 1: Stability studies.

Application of beta-cyclodextrin complexes of volatile substances in suppositories improves the mechanical properties and stability of suppositories. The incompatibility between the volatile components and suppository bases can be eliminated.