Resveratrol: Delivery Challenges and the Role of Nano/Micro Formulations

Resveratrol (RV), a polyphenolic compound with diverse pharmacological properties, has demonstrated significant potential in disease prevention and therapy. However, its clinical application is hindered by poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, and instability under environmental conditions. This review explores the challenges associated with RV delivery and highlights advancements in nano- and micro-formulation strategies aimed at overcoming these limitations. Nano-based delivery systems, including polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, microspheres, and cyclodextrin complexes, have been developed to enhance RV’s bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. These formulations improve RV’s solubility, enable controlled and sustained drug release, and offer targeted delivery to specific tissues, thereby reducing systemic toxicity. Encapsulation approaches not only protect RV from metabolic degradation but also extend its systemic half-life, making it a viable candidate for treating chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Clinical studies and preclinical evaluations have demonstrated promising outcomes in improving RV’s therapeutic effects, particularly in cancer treatment, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory applications. Despite these advancements, challenges in largescale manufacturing, formulation optimization, and regulatory approval remain. Future research should focus on scalable production techniques, safety profiling, and the clinical translation of RV nano- and micro-formulations to realize their full therapeutic potential. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of RV’s pharmacokinetic barriers and formulation advancements, emphasizing the role of emerging drug delivery technologies in enhancing its clinical applicability in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.