Dear Colleagues,

This special issue aims to highlight recent advances in formulation development, improvements in bioavailability, and innovative drug delivery technologies for bioactive compounds derived from natural resources. With a strong emphasis on practical pharmaceutical applications, this issue seeks to bridge natural product research and modern pharmaceutics.

We welcome original research papers focusing on the pharmaceutical development of novel dosage forms, delivery platforms, and formulation strategies for natural bioactive molecules. Studies should demonstrate clear improvements in solubility, stability, bioavailability, or therapeutic efficacy. Research on natural products intended for use as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, functional foods, or cosmeceuticals is particularly encouraged.

Priority will be given to studies that include in-depth formulation optimization through pharmacokinetic evaluations and demonstrate enhanced therapeutic performance. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies validating the effectiveness of the formulations that are developed are highly valued.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Development of novel oral, transdermal, injectable, or mucosal drug delivery systems for natural compounds using bioavailability enhancement strategies (solid dispersion, nanoformulation, lipid-based carriers, cyclodextrin complexation, etc.)
• Transdermal and topical delivery systems for cosmetic and dermatological applications
• Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of the formulated natural products
• Nano-based delivery platforms and advanced encapsulation technologies for natural bioactives

Innovative methodologies such as computational modeling, AI-assisted formulation design, high-throughput screening, and advanced analytical techniques supporting formulation development are also welcome.

Kang Min Kim
Guest Editor