Practical Applications of Supramolecular Macrocyclic Hosts in the Field of Herbal Medicines

Herbal medicines (HMs) are gaining increasing popularity and recognition worldwide due to their eco-friendliness and efficacy. With their multi-compounds, multi-targets, and multi-pathways characteristics, HMs have been used in treatment of various diseases. However, the clinical applications of preparations containing HMs have been limited due to their inherent physicochemical properties, including low water solubility, poor stability, and unsatisfactory bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Supramolecular macrocyclic hosts, like cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes, are important objects of researches in supramolecular chemistry. These hosts have been utilized to encapsulate the ingredients, improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble components, enhance the stability of the tested compounds, increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds, and ensure the safety of HMs. Herein, we provide a brief introduction to the theories of supramolecular chemistry and summarize the extensive applications of supramolecular macrocyclic hosts in the field of HMs. These applications encompass the screening of bioactive compounds in HMs and the enhancement of druggability for HMs. We hope this review can provide a strategy for dealing with the challenges of HMs, thereby enabling their better applications and development.