Pharmaceutical technological trends containing flavonoids: a patent review

Author(s)

Oliveira, Ana Maria Santos ; Santos, Anamaria Mendonca ; Nascimento Jr, Jose Adao Carvalho ; Santana Jr, Claudio Carvalho ; Brito, Joao Rafael Lisboa Rego ; dos Santos, Jussara Secundo ; Shanmugam, Saravanan ; Menezes, Paula dos Passos ; Frank, Luiza Abrahao ; Serafini, Mairim Russo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Future Medicinal Chemistry; v. 17, n. 3, p. 17-pg., 2025-01-23.

Abstract

Flavonoids such as silibinin, hesperetin, and phloretin exhibit well-documented biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant effects. However, their clinical application remains limited due to challenges such as poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and restricted intestinal absorption, which can significantly reduce their pharmacological efficacy. This review analyzed patents related to innovative pharmaceutical technologies for flavonoids. The analysis used databases from the World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Patent Office. Following a comprehensive screening process, 38 patents were selected for detailed examination. These patents highlighted numerous studies on novel formulations, characterizations, and proprietary conditions. This review highlights technologies, such as nanocapsules, nanoemulsions, solid dispersions, phospholipid carriers, inclusion complexes, microemulsions, and other advanced systems, which enhance bioactive molecules' water solubility and stability. Consequently, these technologies improve permeability and absorption through the intended administration route, demonstrating the potential of flavonoids as promising candidates for various treatments, particularly when integrated into pharmaceutical technologies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50928-2 - INCT 2014: Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: a transdisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants