γ-Cyclodextrin sometimes abbreviated as γ-CD, is an octasaccharide derived from glucose. The α- (alpha), β- (beta), and γ- (gamma) cyclodextrins correspond to six, seven, and eight glucose units, respectively.
γ-Cyclodextrin sometimes abbreviated as γ-CD, is an octasaccharide derived from glucose. The α- (alpha), β- (beta), and γ- (gamma) cyclodextrins correspond to six, seven, and eight glucose units, respectively.
γ-Cyclodextrins has the largest cavity size between natural cyclodextrin, thus, it is well-suited to accommodate larger biomolecules and other guests. For this reason, γ-cyclodextrin is most commonly used as a complexing agent. γ-Cyclodextrin is widely used in medicine, pharmacy, food industry, cosmetics, textiles.
1. Drug & Nutrient Solubilization
γ-CD can form inclusion complexes with poorly soluble molecules (lipophilic drugs, vitamins, plant extracts, etc.).
This improves aqueous solubility, stability, and bioavailability of the active compound.
It is particularly effective for large molecules (because the γ-CD cavity is bigger than α- or β-CD).
2. Stabilization of Bioactives
Protects sensitive compounds (e.g., vitamins, coenzymes, essential oils, polyphenols) from heat, light, oxidation, and degradation.
Extends shelf life of formulations.
3. Safety & Tolerability
γ-CD is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by FDA and approved as a food additive in the EU and Japan.
Unlike β-CD, γ-CD is better tolerated, with minimal nephrotoxicity risk, since it is highly water-soluble and readily digested by human enzymes (amylases).
4. Functional Benefits in Food & Pharma
Pharma: Improves oral drug delivery (antifungals, hormones, NSAIDs, vitamins).
Food: Used for cholesterol removal, masking unpleasant flavors, and enhancing stability of bioactives (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D).
Health: Some evidence suggests γ-CD itself may have prebiotic-like effects, supporting gut microbiota.
Tests
Limits
Results
Appearance
White to off-white powder
Visual
Solubility Measurements
Soluble in water, almost insoluble in ethanol.
USP<1236>
Optical Rotation
[α]20℃ D +174°~ +180°
USP<781S>
HPLC
The principal peak in the chromatogram obtained with the test solution is similar in retention time the principal peak in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution.
USP<621>
IR
The infrared absorption spectrum of this product should be consistent with the reference spectrum.
USP<197K>
pH
5.0-8.0
USP<791>
Color and achromicity
Solution is clear and colorless; If it is cloudy, it should not be thicker than the turbidity standard solution No. 2.
USP<631>
Absorbance of impurities
230-350nm≤0.10
USP<857>
350-750nm≤0.05
Reducing sugar
≤0.2%
USP<541>
Loss on drying(105℃)
≤11.0%
USP<731>
Residue on Ignition
≤0.1%
USP<791>
Heavy metal
≤0.5(ppm)
USP<231>
Alpha cyclodextrin
≤0.2%
USP<621>
Beta cyclodextrin
≤0.2%
Unknown total impurity
≤0.2%
Assay
98.0%-102.0%
USP<621>
Total plate count
≤1000CFU/g
USP<2021>+ USP<2023>+ USP<61>+ USP<62>
Yeasts
≤25CFU/g
Molds
≤25CFU/g
Staphyococcus aureus
Negative/25g
E.coli
Negative/g
Beta-hemolytic streptococci
Negative/25g
Coliform bacteria
≤3.0MPN/g
Packing: Packaged 20Kg net cardboard drum, packed with double layer polyethylene bags as liner, or 1 Kg packed with double layer polyethylene bags as liner and seal-heated aluminum foil bags. Storage Condition: Sealed and dry at room temperature.
