“Cortisol in Drug Formulations: From Chemical Foundations to Therapeutic Solutions”

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that plays a vital role in the body’s response to stress, impacting metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune system functions. Due to its broad physiological actions, cortisol continues to be a key focus in both pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmaceutics. This review delves into its chemical structure, biosynthetic pathways, and mechanisms of action, with particular emphasis on its involvement in stress regulation and emotional reactivity. It further evaluates the therapeutic use of synthetic corticosteroids, highlighting formulation hurdles, pharmacokinetic profiles, and recent progress in advanced drug delivery systems designed to enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Innovative strategies, including nanocarrier technologies and targeted delivery approaches, are explored alongside emerging research linking cortisol fluctuations to individual personality traits and performance under stress. By merging insights from chemical, pharmacological, and formulation sciences, this review presents a holistic view of cortisol’s significance in therapeutic development and outlines potential avenues for future research.

Cortisol, Glucocorticoids, Stress response

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