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Pharmaceutics
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Natural Compounds in Drug Delivery Systems
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Natural Compounds in Drug Delivery Systems

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 906

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cecilia Georgescu

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Food Industry and Environmental Protection, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 7-9 Dr. I. Ratiu St., 550012 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: natural compounds; phytochemical analysis; antioxidant activity; volatile oils; food sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Felicia-Gabriela Gligor

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Guest Editor
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: natural products; drug delivery; analytical methods; biochemistry; laboratory tests; antioxidants; dendrimers; pharmacovigilance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea

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Guest Editor
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: natural products; antioxidants; phytochemicals; nutrivigilance; toxicology; dendrimers; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Adina Frum

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Guest Editor
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: natural products; phytochemical analyses; antioxidants; polyphenols; environmental sciences; dendrimers; drug delivery; nutrivigilance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anca Butuca

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Guest Editor
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: natural products; drug delivery; dendrimers; analytical methods; antioxidants; pharmacovigilance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Monica Mironescu

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Food Industry and Environmental Protection, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 7-9 Dr. I. Ratiu St., 550012 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: natural compounds; antimicrobial activity; food sciences; food technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural compounds are bioactive molecules found in vegetables, fruits, and various plants, known for their complex actions and multiple benefits to human health. The current trend in scientific and medical research is to harness these compounds, which, due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other properties, offer the potential to replace chemically synthesized substances commonly used in pharmaceuticals.

However, a significant scientific challenge lies in the replacement of synthetic substances with natural ones derived from local raw materials. Their integration into stable and effective drug delivery systems is a difficult task due to their lower chemical stability when compared to synthetic molecules, thus making it a strategic and technical issue that requires innovative solutions.

Modern pharmaceutical technologies have emerged as effective strategies for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of natural and biologically active compounds. These innovative formulations protect sensitive natural molecules from degradation.

Microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation, and liposomal delivery systems are several encapsulation techniques that help to preserve the integrity of natural compounds, control their release, and improve their absorption in the body. As a result, such advanced formulations represent a promising approach to developing stable, effective, and safe natural-based drugs, making the transition from synthetic to natural substances more feasible in modern medicine.

Since this topic is of real interest to the scientific community, this Special Issue will provide readers with an overview of the current advances in the field of natural compounds in drug delivery systems.

Dr. Cecilia Georgescu
Prof. Dr. Felicia-Gabriela Gligor
Dr. Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea
Dr. Adina Frum
Dr. Anca Butuca
Dr. Monica Mironescu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • natural products
  • extraction techniques
  • phytochemical analyses
  • natural compounds
  • biological active compounds
  • new formulations
  • encapsulated technics
  • biotechnology
  • drug delivery systems
  • bioavailability
  • pharmacy

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) Extracts from Wild Flora of Transylvania: Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Activity, In Vivo Toxicity, and Gene Expression Variegation Studies
by Lidia-Ioana Virchea, Cecilia Georgescu, Endre Máthé, Adina Frum, Monica Mironescu, Bence Pecsenye, Robert Nagy, Oana Danci, Maria-Lucia Mureșan, Maria Totan and Felicia-Gabriela Gligor
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091097 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is a medicinal plant native to the spontaneous Romanian flora. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic profile, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) of two L. salicaria L. extracts, a [...] Read more.
Background: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is a medicinal plant native to the spontaneous Romanian flora. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic profile, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) of two L. salicaria L. extracts, a hydro-methanolic extract (LSmet-1) and a hydro-ethanolic extract (LSeth-2), and their putative toxicity, as well as the effect on eye pigment content in the case of Drosophila melanogaster of an extract derived from LSmet-1 (LSmet-3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the influence of L. salicaria L. extracts on cytotoxicity and the expression of genes as determined by eye pigment levels, using a D. melanogaster-based model system. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was carried out to investigate the chemical composition of the extracts. Spectrophotometric methods were used to estimate their TPC and AC. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using an in vivo D. melanogaster diet-dependent viability assay and eye pigments of wm4h males, suitable for position-effect variegation studies, which were quantified by a spectrophotometric method. Results: The results indicated that the main phenolic compounds were gallic acid, resveratrol, and rutin in LSmet-1, whereas in LSeth-2, gallic acid and quercetin were the most relevant. LSmet-1 had a higher TPC compared to LSeth-2. Both extracts exhibited notable efficacy in the applied in vitro antioxidant tests. The viability of flies on normal media increased in a concentration-dependent manner at lower concentrations, with the extract being toxic at higher concentrations. On a high-sugar diet, even lower concentrations were toxic. All tested concentrations influenced the eye pigment content. Conclusions: Our study brings new findings on L. salicaria L. extracts, suggesting the need for further investigation before introducing them in therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Drug Delivery Systems)
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23 pages, 2078 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Thai Traditional Hand and Foot Soaking Formulary and Its Bioactive Compounds
by Jaenjira Angsusing, Weerasak Samee, Supachoke Mangmool, Usma Dortae, Pranot Keawthip, Surakameth Mahasirimongkol, Somsak Kreechai, Kulthanit Wanaratna, Chuda Chittasupho and Nopparut Toolmal
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070907 - 13 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a Hand and Foot Soaking Formulary composed of ten medicinal plants, with curcumin as a major bioactive marker, to provide scientific validation for its traditional use. Methods: The formulation was [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a Hand and Foot Soaking Formulary composed of ten medicinal plants, with curcumin as a major bioactive marker, to provide scientific validation for its traditional use. Methods: The formulation was evaluated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, with curcumin quantified using HPLC. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in RAW264.7 cells using the MTT assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring nitric oxide (NO), PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages using ELISA. Results: The Hand and Foot Soaking Formulary exhibited promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, consistent with its traditional use. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, with measurable levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and significant curcumin content. Antioxidant activity was demonstrated through free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing assays, while cytotoxicity testing in RAW264.7 macrophages indicated low toxicity (IC50 = 48.61 ± 3.80 µg/mL). The formulary significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production. These effects were comparable to turmeric extract and curcumin, though curcumin displayed higher potency. Conclusions: The Hand and Foot Soaking Formulary demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, supporting its traditional use. Its polyherbal composition may offer synergistic effects and holds promise as a safe, natural topical remedy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Drug Delivery Systems)
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