ABSTRACT
Resveratrol, a polyphenol stilbenoid obtained primarily from grapes, is usually associated with red wine consumption. Lately, there has been an increased interest in resveratrol as nutraceutical due to its cardioprotective effect and prevention of neuronal degeneration, along with other beneficial pharmacological activities, including chemopreventive action, antiaging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the range of therapeutic effects of resveratrol, its biopharmaceutical properties limit its use because of its poor aqueous solubility, extensive gut metabolism, and rapid excretion resulting in poor bioavailability. To surpass these obstacles, nanotechnology based drug delivery systems are being developed to improve the stability of resveratrol, avert its metabolism, and enhance bioavailability for improved health benefits. This chapter presents the therapeutic potential of resveratrol and highlights the nano- and micro-formulations being investigated for resveratrol encapsulation including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanosponges, nanosuspensions, and cyclodextrins as carriers.
