The applications of cyclic peptides in pharmaceutical sciences

In recent years, a large number of peptide compounds have been obtained from natural sources or synthesized chemically, which have attracted significant interest due to their high biological activity and low side effects. However, linear peptides encounter many challenges in the field of drug development because they are easily broken down by enzymes and do not pass through cell membranes well. Cyclic peptides, on the other hand, have a stable structure, strong binding to targets, and lower toxicity. They combine the advantages of natural peptides and small molecule drugs in terms of biological activity and drug metabolism, addressing the shortcomings of linear peptides and becoming increasingly important in drug research. This article focuses on the development history of cyclic peptides, discusses the sources, acquisition methods, and specific applications in the field of pharmacology in recent years, and prospects for their future development potential, aiming to provide a theoretical and practical basis for the clinical application of cyclic peptides.