Enhancing bioactivity and bioavailability of Limonium bellidifolium via cyclodextrin-based inclusion complexes: a new strategy in drug discovery from halophyte source

In the present study we investigated the enhancement of solubility, stability, and bioavailability of phytochemicals from Limonium bellidifolium using α- and β-cyclodextrin-based encapsulation. Ethanol/water extracts were encapsulated at 25 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C, and their performance was evaluated through simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Optimal results were observed at 25 °C for β-cyclodextrin and at 40 °C for α-cyclodextrin. Structural analysis with FTIR and SEM confirmed minimal chemical changes and well-formed particles. Bioavailability tests revealed significantly higher recovery of major compounds, such as quercetin, catechin, and ferulic acid, in encapsulated samples compared to pure extracts. Both α- and β-cyclodextrin systems provided strong protection during digestion and retained a higher proportion of bioactives. Antioxidant assays showed increased activity after digestion in encapsulated forms, especially in aerial and root extracts. Enzyme inhibition tests demonstrated notable tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase activity, particularly in β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated root extracts. These results confirm the effectiveness of cyclodextrin encapsulation in improving compound retention and biological activity. To our knowledge this is the first detailed report on L. bellidifolium encapsulation using cyclodextrins and offers a promising strategy for developing phytochemical delivery systems for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications.